The Washington Capitals have struck gold with the "MLS" line, and they recaptured that immediate spark once again in Chicago. The Connor McMichael-Justin Sourdif-Ryan Leonard combination stepped up again, and Alex Ovechkin stayed hot to power D.C. to a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist, and the Washington Capitals snapped Chicago’s four-game win streak with a 5-1 over the depleted Blackhawks.

The Washington Capitals will try to turn things around on Friday night in the Windy City, as Alex Ovechkin and company get set to visit the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Capitals will have a key forward back in the mix on Friday against the Blackhawks with Aliaksei Protas ready to return.

The Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-7, 43 points) ride a four-game winning streak into Friday night’s matchup with the Washington Capitals (22-16-6, 50 points), who have lost three of their last four, with Connor Bedard potentially ready to return at the United Center.

The Washington Capitals will play for the greatest trophy in all of sports for the first time since 1998 after beating the Tampa Bat Lightning at Amalie Arena 4-0 on Wednesday. Social media was buzzing with congratulations for the Capitals. To no surprise, fans watching back at Capital One Arena were elated.

Get the best Capitals vs. Blackhawks predictions ahead of Friday's clash at the United Center. Free NHL picks for January 9.

The Washington Capitals host the Dallas Stars after Justin Sourdif's hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks in the Capitals' 7-4 win

The Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks clash Friday in Chicago, Illinois, with puck drop slated for 8 p.m. ET.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks NHL game from January 9, 2026 on ESPN.

The Capitals have made an announcement regarding the immediate future of Aliaksei Protas and his current injury status.