Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals Preview: 1/31

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
The Carolina Hurricanes (33-15-5) bring their Metropolitan Division-leading record into Capital One Arena tonight to face the Washington Capitals (26-22-7) with 5 p.m. ET puck drop on ESPN+. Carolina is riding momentum after a thrilling 5-4 win in their last outing, while Washington eked out a 4-3 shootout victory in its most recent game.

The Hurricanes have been a force all season and boast some serious analytics love: they sit 5th in the NHL in goals scored at 3.42 per game, allow just 2.85 goals against (top 10) and control play with nearly 32 shots per game on average. Carolina thrives when it outshoots opponents, with a 30-9-4 record in those games this season.

Key Hurricanes contributors include Sebastian Aho (52 points: 17 goals, 35 assists) and Seth Jarvis (23 goals). Goalie Brandon Bussi has been a historical quick starter, reaching 20 wins faster than any netminder in NHL history.

The Capitals have collected points in tight spots, but recent trends show they’ve struggled to finish consistently. Washington is 4-7-11 in overtime/shootout decisions this season and tends to sputter if held to just one or two goals. Offense still runs through veteran Alex Ovechkin, who has produced 46 points (22 goals, 24 assists).

Injury figures give Carolina a slight edge: Washington’s depth is tested with multiple players sidelined or day-to-day, and backup goaltending looms as a storyline tonight.

Tonight could be a classic analytical clash — Hurricanes show top-tier scoring and shot control, Capitals lean on grit and veteran punch. If Carolina keeps up its offensive pace and wins the shot battle again, it may leave DC fans craving extra mustard with their hockey.