The Capitals visit the Ottawa Senators today at 1 p.m. at Canadian Tire Centre for a New Year’s Day clash. The Capitals are 58-40-5-8 all-time versus Ottawa and 7-2-1 in their last 10 games against Ottawa at Canadian Tire Centre.
Tom Wilson, along with teammate Logan Thompson, was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 prior to Washington’s 6-3 win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Wilson recorded three points (2g, 1a) in the victory, which marked his second straight three-point effort (2g-1a–3p on Dec. 29 at FLA). Wilson, who fought Sam Carrick in the second period, completed his third career Gordie Howe hat trick with a third-period assist. The 6’4”, 225-pound forward also registered a team-high four hits. With his first goal of the game, Wilson reached the 20-goal mark for the fifth time in his career (also 2024-25: 33g; 2021-22: 24g; 2018-19: 22g; 2019-20: 21g). Wilson scored his 20th goal in his 39th game of the season. It's the fastest Wilson has reached the 20-goal mark in his career (previously 20g in 47 GP in 2024-25). Wilson’s second goal of the game was the 200th of his career. Wilson became the sixth player in franchise history to reach the 200-goal mark with the Capitals, joining Alex Ovechkin (912), Peter Bondra (472), Mike Gartner (397), Nicklas Backstrom (271) and Mike Ridley (218).
The Toronto, Ontario native has recorded 40 points (21g, 19a) in 39 games this season. Wilson, who set career highs in goals (33), assists (32) and points (65) in 81 games last season, is currently on pace for 43 goals and 83 points. Wilson’s 1.03 points-per-game rate is the highest of his career.
WORLD JUNIORS UPDATE
The Capitals have six prospects participating in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which ties them for the third most among NHL teams.
Leon Muggli (2024 Draft, 2nd round, 52nd overall) recorded his team-leading fourth assist of the tournament in Switzerland’s 3-2 win over Slovakia on Wednesday. Muggli’s four assists rank tied for third among all defensemen. The win secured a third-place finish for Switzerland in Group A, earning them a spot in the quarterfinals.
Petr Sikora (2024 Draft, 6th round, 178th overall) was held pointless for the first time in four games in Czechia’s 4-2 victory against Latvia on Wednesday, but led Czech forwards with 21:11 of ice time. Sikora, who has recorded five points (1g, 4a) through four games, ranks tied for 13th in tournament scoring.
Nicholas Kempf (2024 Draft, 4th round, 114th overall) stopped 14 of 15 shots faced in relief during Team USA’s 6-3 loss to Sweden on Wednesday.
Quarterfinal games will be played on Friday, Jan. 2.
Relegation game, Germany vs. Denmark, 3M Arena; 12:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal 1, Sweden vs. Latvia, Grand Casino Arena; 2 p.m., NHLN
Quarterfinal 2, Czechia vs. Switzerland, 3M Arena; 4:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal 3, United States vs. Finland, Grand Casino Arena; 6 p.m., NHLN
Quarterfinal 4, Canada vs. Slovakia, 3M Arena; 8:30 p.m., NHLN
The complete World Juniors schedule can be found here.
