Capitals, Predators Clash in Pivotal Pre-Olympic Matchup

Both teams desperate for points as playoff race tightens heading into Olympic break

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators are set to face off in a crucial game on Thursday night, with both teams fighting to stay in the playoff picture before the Olympic break. The Capitals are a half-dozen points outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Predators are four points out in the Western Conference. Both teams are in "desperation mode" as they try to make a late-season push.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications for both teams, as they look to gain ground on their conference rivals before the Olympic break. The Capitals and Predators are both trying to claw their way back into the postseason picture, making this a pivotal matchup in the race for the playoffs.

The details

The Capitals are coming off a tough 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, while the Predators suffered a 6-5 overtime defeat against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. Both teams will be looking to bounce back and pick up a crucial two points. The Predators have been on a bit of a roll lately, going 6-3-3 in their last 12 games, but the Capitals are hoping their "desperation mode" mindset will give them the edge.

  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • This is the final game for both teams before the Olympic break.

The players

Spencer Carbery

Head coach of the Washington Capitals.

Trevor van Riemsdyk

Defenseman for the Washington Capitals.

Luke Evangelista

Forward for the Nashville Predators.

Juuse Saros

Goaltender for the Nashville Predators.

Roman Josi

Captain of the Nashville Predators.

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What they’re saying

“We're in desperation mode. We have been for a bit. It's tight in the division, in the conference. ... You come out of break and there's only (23) games left in the whole season. We're going to need to go on a significant run here, and we'll finish off the right way, or try to do everything we can to finish the right way against Nashville.”

— Spencer Carbery, Head coach, Washington Capitals (statenews.net)

“We've got three periods left. These points matter more to us than anyone in the league, and we know that. We know the position we're in. We've just got to give it our all for three more periods and find a way to scratch out two points.”

— Luke Evangelista, Forward, Nashville Predators (statenews.net)

“I just feel more comfortable out there and (am) just kind of playing my game. When I play my best, it's not just offensively. I think I'm skating, I'm playing with a lot of energy.”

— Roman Josi, Captain, Nashville Predators (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain crucial ground in the playoff race heading into the Olympic break. Both teams will be looking to build momentum and carry it through the break.

The takeaway

This game is a must-win for both the Capitals and Predators as they fight to stay in the playoff picture. The desperation and intensity will be high, making for an exciting and pivotal matchup before the Olympic hiatus.