Washington Capitals at Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Wednesday night is a pretty slow day for the National Hockey League, but there is a pretty important game on the schedule. The Edmonton Oilers host the Washington Capitals in a battle of playoff hopefuls needing a win.

Washington comes into this game with 71 points on the year, and that is good enough for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have won three straight games, including a 5-4 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. 

Edmonton has racked up 64 points on the year, but they are also in fourth place, but in the Pacific Division. The Oilers are desperate for a victory as they have now dropped three straight games and are headed in the wrong direction. 

The Edmonton Oilers are the betting favorites in this game at -131 on the moneyline. 

Washington Playing Some Defense

Washington did just allow four goals in the win on Tuesday night, but they have been a solid defensive team this season. The Capitals are allowing just 2.8 goals per game, and that’s more than good enough with their offensive output.

The Capitals have converted on the power play just 18 percent of the time this season, but it hasn’t slowed down the entire offensive attack. Washington is scoring over 3.2 goals per game, and they can rack up the goals in a hurry.

Alex Ovechkin is once again the best offensive weapon for the Capitals as he leads the way with 36 goals and 70 total points. This could be a big night on offense for Washington against a struggling Oilers defense. 

Oilers Playing With Pace

The Edmonton Oilers play a fast and exciting brand of hockey, but that’s not always the best strategy to use. Edmonton is scoring 3.19 goals per game but also allowing 3.21 goals on the other end of the ice. 

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are two of the best players in hockey, and they just continue to pile up the goals and points. Draisaitl leads the way with 38 goals and 79 total points, and McDavid has a team-high 50 assists on the year. 

Edmonton has killed off just 75 percent of their penalties this season, and that’s going to be a problem in this matchup. The Oilers do plenty right on offense, but they just continue to struggle to get defensive stops. 

Capitals Cruise to a Win

Washington might be showing some fatigue on Wednesday night, but this is also a matchup that is pretty favorable for them. The Capitals have been a terrific offense all season long, and they are facing a team that really struggles to defend.

Edmonton only knows how to play fast, and that’s the wrong strategy to use against the Washington Capitals. The Oilers are a terrific offensive team, but they just won’t be able to keep up in this one.

Bet the Washington Capitals moneyline as they go into Edmonton and win this game by two goals.

Prop Picks

Washington (+160) OVER 3.5 Goals

Washington is averaging 3.2 goals per game on offense, which ranks No. 10 in the league. New Jersey is allowing 3.2 goals per game on defense, which ranks No. 23. Scores have gone OVER in six of the Oilers’ last nine Wednesday games.

With Dunkel predicting a Washington victory by the score of 5-3, take the Capitals (+160) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 3.5 goals against the Oilers.

Alex Ovechkin (+105) Anytime Goalscorer

Ovechkin has 36 goals on the season, which ranks No. 36 in the league. He’s scored a goal in three straight games, including a pair last night versus Calgary. On the season, Ovechkin has scored as many goals (18) on the road as at home.

With Dunkel predicting Washington to go OVER its team total tonight, take Ovechkin (+105) to stay hot and pick up a goal tonight against the Oilers.

Keep up with your latest NHL news coverage and betting pick previews at The Dunkel Index.