The Washington Capitals picked up a massive two points last night with an overtime win versus the Penguins but they won’t have much time to enjoy it as they take on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers at home tonight. Despite the back-to-back, the Caps still opened as -130 favorites.
With the loss of goalie Vitek Vanecek last night, are the Caps going to turn to their No. 3 option tonight? Was Edmonton’s four-game winning streak legit or was it against poor-quality opponents? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Oilers vs. Capitals.
Oilers vs Capitals odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
With the Capitals having played last night, this line opened late and favored Washington at -135. It has since slipped five points to -130. The total sits at 6 and leans to the Over. These two teams have not met since 2019.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Oilers vs Capitals predictions
Predictions made on 2/02/2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Oilers vs Capitals game info
• Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
• Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2022
• Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: TNT
Oilers vs Capitals betting preview
Key injuries
Oilers: Tyson Barrie D (Out), Mike Smith G (Out).
Capitals: Vitek Vanecek G (Questionable), T.J. Oshie F (Out), Michal Kempny D (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Oilers vs Capitals head-to-head record (since 2017)
Oilers: 2-4 SU, 14 goals for.
Capitals: 4-2 SU, 17 goals for.
Betting trend to know
The Capitals are 1-4 SU in their last five games following a win. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Capitals.
Oilers vs Capitals picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Moneyline analysis
The Washington Capitals went into Pittsburgh last night as +145 ML underdogs, got outplayed thoroughly, gave up three power-play goals, were outshot 47-32, and still managed to steal two points with an overtime victory. This is a Washington team that has just two regulation wins over its last 13 games and will be likely missing its best goaltender in Vitek Vanecek, who exited last night’s game with an upper-body injury.
Ilya Samsonov took over and stopped 43 of 45 shots in an outstanding effort, but it’s uncertain if Peter Laviolette will turn to him again tonight or go with No. 3 Zach Fucale. Either way, it's a tough spot for whichever Caps goalie will be facing a slightly rejuvenated Edmonton offense, especially since you're paying a premium on the Washington moneyline.
Since ending their seven-game losing streak, the Oilers are 4-1 SU and have taken nine of a possible 10 points. They’re coming off an overtime loss to the Senators on Monday but have beaten some decent teams in Nashville and Calgary over this stretch. Edmonton was a -120 road favorite facing a Rangers team on the second half of a back-to-back not too long ago, which makes us think this +115 price should probably be around -105 or +100.
Heading into last night’s game, the Capitals had scored four or more goals just twice in their previous 13 games and T.J. Oshie's extended absence is glaring. They allowed 4.29 expected goals to Pittsburgh and were lucky to skate away with two points. The market was not hot on them last night, either, as they moved from +130 to +145 on the ML. They gave up three power-play goals and will see an Edmonton PP that has been struggling of late but is still one of the most lethal units in hockey.
The Oilers had been struggling to score 5-on-5 and were getting piled on by the media but they’ve potted 17 even-strength goals over their last five games. Whether you agree with it or not, the addition of Evander Kane balances this 5-on-5 attack. Kane-McDavid-Yamamoto makes up the first line, Foegel-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi is line No. 2, and Nugent-Hopkins-Hyman-Kassian makes a great third line.
This moneyline has already started to move and we think it closes closer to a pick ‘em. Washington played last night and even though they won, they were outplayed. They lost their best goalie and struggled on the penalty kill.
Prediction: Oilers ML (+115)
Over/Under analysis
The Capitals hit their first Over in five games last night and it could have been a 12-goal game had it not been for Samsonov. There was a point where the Capitals were getting outshot 14-0 in the first eight minutes of the second period. Samsonov stood tall but he's struggled with consistency in net this year and has allowed at least three goals in four straight starts. He might not get the start tonight but we aren’t confident in the goaltending situation for the Capitals heading into this meeting either way. Samsonov is 9-4-1 to the Over in his last 14 starts.
Speaking of goaltending, the Oilers have not confirmed a starter for tonight, but we don’t see much difference between Stuart Skinner and Mikko Koskinen. Both goalies have struggled all season and each netminder is coming off a game versus a bottom-tier offense (Ottawa and Montreal). Combined, Skinner and Koskinen have a GAA above 3.00 and neither goalie owns a goals saved above expected above 0.00.
This Over could also get some help from the power play, or more specifically, the penalty kill. The Capitals gave up three power-play goals last night and 10 over their last 10 games while their power play looks to be improving and has scored back-to-back multi-goal games with the man advantage. They’ll face an Edmonton penalty kill that has surrendered 11 PP goals over its last 10 games and ranks dead-last since Christmas.
With goaltending issues and penalty kill problems on both sides — and the Oilers skating well at 5-on-5 — we’re not even thinking about the Under 6 here and think this number closes at 6.5.
Prediction: Over 6 (-125)
Best bet
The Oilers have gotten through the low point of the season and Kane's addition has rounded out the team offensively. There are still a ton of flaws on this roster, but getting them at +115 versus a team that played last night against a big divisional rival and lost their No.1 netminder is still a great spot.
The Oilers will be looking to ride some momentum into the break and Wednesday is a perfect opportunity to cash at plus money. Even with back-to-back wins, the Capitals are limping into the break and could easily lay an egg tonight.
Pick: Oilers ML (+115)
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