The Edmonton Oilers began their stretch run by laying an egg in Philadelphia, losing 6-3 while generating only 18 shots along the way.
My Oilers vs. Capitals predictions see the road team putting forth a much better effort this time around, with star defenseman Evan Bouchard playing a big part.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for February 23.
Oilers vs Capitals prediction
My Oilers pick
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists (-120 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Evan Bouchard has hit another gear offensively of late. He’s recorded eight assists over his last nine games and 15 spanning the last 20, setting up a goal in 70% of his games along the way.
While Bouchard was held off the scoresheet against Philadelphia, I think he has a strong chance of rebounding in Washington.
The Washington Capitals started Logan Thompson on Saturday and have rotated their goaltenders all season long. That means it’ll be Charlie Lindgren between the pipes Sunday, which is a win for the Edmonton Oilers.
Lindgren has only won half of his starts for a team that leads the NHL in points per game. His .900 SV% doesn’t hold a candle to Thompson’s (.920) and he has routinely given up goals in chunks, allowing three or more in six of his past eight games.
Lindgren should be more generous with what he gives up than Thompson would be. Not to mention, the Oilers haven’t dropped three games in a row since they started their year that way in October.
The Oilers are remarkably good at steadying the ship as soon as things begin to go south. If that’s the case again today, Bouchard has an excellent chance of creating a goal along the way.
Bouchard has seven assists over Edmonton’s last seven wins and has picked up at least one in 62% of their victories this season.
After a dud of an effort in Saturday’s matinee, I think Connor McDavid and the high-scoring Oilers bounce back in a big way and make the most out of drawing Washington’s backup netminder.
Oilers vs Capitals same-game parlay (SGP)
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots on goal
Oilers moneyline
Leon Draisaitl is one of the most consistent shooters in the sport. He’s recorded 3+ shots in 15 of his last 20 games and has averaged four shots on seven attempts during that span. He put up at least two shots in 19 of those games, giving himself a legitimate shot — no pun intended — of clearing every single night.
The Capitals are a terrific team but they are not immune to giving up volume, ranking 21st in attempts against over the last 10 games.
I am backing Edmonton in the battle of the backups. Calvin Pickard has won 14 of his 19 decisions this season and will no doubt have a motivated group in front of him after a dreadful showing in Philadelphia.
Conversely, Lindgren has won 12 of 24 games for the Caps and has put forth some spotty performances in recent weeks. He won’t have any margin for error facing McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and all the elite talent the Oilers possess.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Oilers vs Capitals odds
Oilers vs Capitals live odds
Oilers vs Capitals opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+210) | Washington +1.5 (-250)
- Moneyline: Edmonton -119 | Washington +105
- Over/Under: Over 6 (+100) | Under 6 (-115)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Oilers vs Capitals trend
Leon Draisaitl has 14 shots on goal over his last three games against Washington. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Capitals.
How to watch Oilers vs Capitals
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Puck drop | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet, TNT |
Oilers vs Capitals latest injuries
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