For this NHL matchup, the Nashville Predators are narrowly favored at home over the Washington Capitals, with early moneyline odds around 1.80 for Nashville and 2.00 for Washington based on recent market lines this week. Nashville’s strong 2025-26 home form at Bridgestone Arena and Washington playing on short rest after a road game in Chicago tilt the edge slightly toward the Predators, reflected in DexWin - Best Odds on Your Favourite Sports.

The Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators game is scheduled to start on 12 January 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC, which is 6:00 PM local time in Nashville, Central Standard Time. Fans should check closer to puck drop for any last-minute broadcast or schedule adjustments due to TV coverage.

The game will be played at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, the home rink of the Predators. The multi-purpose arena typically seats around 17,000 for ice hockey and is known for its loud, intimate atmosphere and tight sightlines that give Nashville a strong home-ice advantage.

Given Nashville’s solid early-season record and home strength versus Washington arriving off a road back-to-back, the Predators are projected to win with implied probabilities of roughly 55–57 percent from current moneyline pricing near 1.80. Bettors looking for value may consider Washington as an underdog around 2.00 if they believe the Capitals’ recent offensive surge can overcome the fatigue factor.

In recent head-to-head meetings over the past few seasons, the Nashville Predators hold a slight edge over the Washington Capitals, winning a majority of games both home and away. Matches between these teams tend to be tight, often decided by a single goal, with combined scoring typically in the 5–7 goal range.