Seattle Kraken vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions for Sunday, October 11, 2026

The Seattle Kraken visit the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Sunday, October 11, with the opening faceoff set for 5:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Seattle holds a 3-2-0 record, sitting fifth in the Pacific Division after defeating Detroit 6-3 on Friday. Washington stands third in the Metropolitan Division at 3-1-0, coming off a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers. The Kraken have scored 21 goals through five games, while the Capitals have allowed just nine in four contests. Build your bankroll with our free NHL picks.

Seattle Kraken Finding Plenty of Goals Early This Season

Seattle's offense has produced three six-goal performances in five games, including Friday's 6-3 victory at Detroit. Frederick Gaudreau scored twice against the Red Wings, helping the Kraken recover from a 6-2 loss to Vegas. Seattle previously defeated Calgary 6-1 twice, although Edmonton handed the Kraken a 3-1 defeat between those victories. The Kraken average 4.20 goals per game, the strongest feature of their early results. Jared McCann leads Seattle with six points, including five assists, while Gaudreau has scored three goals.

The Kraken have received scoring contributions throughout the lineup. Vince Dunn has two goals and three assists, Chandler Stephenson has five points, and Kaapo Kakko has collected five points through five appearances. Jordan Eberle and Berkly Catton have scored twice each. Seattle averages 26 shots while allowing 30.4 per contest, leaving its goaltenders busy. Joey Daccord owns a 2-1-0 record, a 2.64 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Philipp Grubauer is 1-1-0 with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Seattle's power play has converted 26.7% of its chances.

Injuries: Ryan Lindgren (out), Jacob Melanson (out), Jake O'Brien (out).

Washington Capitals Building Around Strong Goaltending

Washington has won consecutive games, defeating Pittsburgh 5-3 on Wednesday before beating the Rangers 3-1 on Friday. The Capitals also opened their season with a 5-2 victory at Carolina, although Tampa Bay handed Washington its only defeat, 3-1. The Capitals have scored at least three goals in each victory and average 3.50 goals per game. Tom Wilson leads Washington with five points, collecting two goals and three assists. Dylan Strome and Pierre-Luc Dubois have contributed four points apiece.

Alex Tuch leads the Capitals with three goals, while Ryan Leonard has scored twice and added an assist. Jakob Chychrun has contributed one goal and two assists from the blue line. Washington averages 25.5 shots per game and allows 28.8, with its goaltenders producing excellent early numbers. Logan Thompson has won all three starts, recording a 2.00 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Charlie Lindgren has a .931 save percentage through his lone appearance. Washington has also killed 86.7% of opposing power plays, a significant advantage against Seattle's productive man advantage.

Injuries: Matt Roy (out), Patrick Thomas (out), Rasmus Sandin (out).

Key to the Game

Seattle's high-scoring offense meets a Washington team allowing only 2.25 goals per game. The Kraken have scored six goals in three victories, but the Capitals have surrendered just nine goals through four contests. Special teams add another important matchup, with Seattle converting 26.7% of power plays against Washington's 86.7% penalty kill. Thompson's unbeaten start gives the Capitals a dependable presence in net. Seattle's defensive numbers remain less convincing, particularly its 30.4 shots allowed per game and 71.4% penalty-killing rate.

Seattle Kraken vs Washington Capitals Game Pick

• Washington Capitals

Washington's goaltending advantage makes the Capitals my play against a Seattle team allowing 30.4 shots per game. Thompson has won all three starts with a 2.00 goals-against average, while Washington has surrendered only nine goals this season. The Capitals also have a balanced attack featuring Wilson, Tuch, Strome and Dubois. Seattle's scoring numbers are impressive, but Washington's stronger defensive results and perfect home record separate these teams. The Capitals will limit Seattle's chances, capitalize on their scoring depth, and secure another home victory on Sunday.

Seattle Kraken vs Washington Capitals Over/Under Pick

• Over

Seattle's scoring form sets up an entertaining contest against a Washington offense averaging 3.50 goals per game. The Kraken have scored six goals in three of their five outings, while Washington has reached five goals twice this season. Seattle also allows 2.80 goals per game and has killed only 71.4% of opposing power plays. Washington's scoring depth can exploit those defensive weaknesses, especially with Tuch and Wilson producing early. Seattle will contribute offensively, Washington will answer, and the over will cash in this matchup.