Slumping Capitals, Flames Clash in Critical January Showdown
CALGARY, January 23, 2026 – Two teams desperate to reverse concerning slides will meet at the Scotiabank Saddledome tonight as the Washington Capitals visit the Calgary Flames. Both clubs enter the contest on the heels of mid-week losses, with their respective coaches labelling the games as critical to their fading playoff hopes.
Teams in a Tailspin
The Washington Capitals head into Friday’s road game hoping their struggles have finally hit rock bottom. A dispiriting 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday extended their regulation losing streak to four games, a first under coach Spencer Carbery. After an 18-9-3 start that saw them atop the Eastern Conference in early December, the Capitals have managed just six wins in their last 21 games (6-12-3).
“Our season is hanging in the balance here,” Carbery stated. “We’re getting very, very close to teetering on if we don’t get results soon.”
The Flames are mired in their own offensive drought. A 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday was their second consecutive game scoring just one goal. Calgary has been limited to one goal or less in 16 of their 50 games this season and has only three wins in ten outings (3-6-1) since the calendar turned to 2026.
Coach Ryan Huska pinpointed a lack of engagement from his forwards. “If you’re playing the game with a lack of emotion, you’re not as engaged as you need to be,” Huska said. “That means you’re going to be away from the net.”
Key Players & Injury Updates
For the Flames, struggling forward Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) is expected to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. However, scoring leader Blake Coleman (13 goals, upper body) will miss his fifth straight game. Washington will be without top-line winger Pierre-Luc Dubois, who is out long-term with an abdominal injury.
Capitals centre Dylan Strome is coming off a two-goal, three-point effort in the loss to Vancouver. For Calgary, Nazem Kadri (9 goals, 25 assists) and Yegor Sharangovich (3 goals in last 5 games) will be relied upon to spark the offence.
Historical Head-to-Head
The clubs split their two meetings last season. The Flames earned a 3-1 victory in Washington on February 25, 2025, but the Capitals returned the favour with a 3-1 win in Calgary on January 28, 2025. Washington goaltender Logan Thompson, a Calgary native, made 32 saves in that victory.
Current Standings Snapshot
| Team | Record | Points | Division Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 24-21-6 | 54 | 6th, Metropolitan |
| Calgary Flames | 21-24-5 | 47 | 7th, Pacific |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Capitals vs. Flames game?
The game is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (7:00 p.m. local MT) on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Where is the game being played?
The matchup will take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.
Who is expected to start in goal?
For Calgary, Devin Cooley is expected to get the start, continuing a recent timeshare with Dustin Wolf. Washington’s starter is less certain, but Logan Thompson or Charlie Lindgren could see action as the Capitals play the second leg of a back-to-back on Saturday in Edmonton.