Oilers a Heavy Favorite to Take Care of Capitals on Wednesday Night

Quinn Allen
By , Updated on: Mar 12, 2024 08:00 PM
Oilers a Heavy Favorite to Take Care of Capitals on Wednesday Night
  • What: Washington Capitals vs Edmonton Oilers
  • When: Wednesday, March 13th, puck drop 10 PM ET
  • Where: Rogers Place

The surging Edmonton Oilers begin a four-game homestand on Wednesday against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, their first meeting since November. The puck is scheduled to drop at 10 PM ET at Rogers Place. Edmonton just hammered Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 on Sunday and continue to play consistent hockey with the playoffs approaching. As for DC, they're coming off a 3-0 loss to a very good Winnipeg Jets team on Monday evening. This should be an entertaining contest with no shortage of star power. Keep reading for the Capitals vs Oilers picks.

Before we get into the odds and preview, make sure to check out our online sportsbook reviews, and the top NHL betting sites.

Capitals vs Oilers Odds

TeamBetOnlineBovadaBetUS
Capitals+233+230+225
Oilers-265-280-265

The Oilers are a big home favorite here with -265 moneyline odds for an implied win probability of 72.60%. The Caps return at +233 and have just a 30.03% chance of taking this one on the road. Edmonton destroyed Washington 5-0 late last year but the Capitals did win two in a row before that.

Washington Still in Playoff Mix

Don't get me wrong, it's been a disappointing season to Washington's standards. They're sitting at 30-24-9 which is good enough for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. The Caps' offense is scoring a mere 2.65 goals per game, which ranks 29th in the league. It's not good. That being said, DC is somehow just three points out of a playoff spot, with the New York Islanders just above them. Not all is lost quite yet. Spencer Carbery's squad is playing better as of late too, going 6-3-1 in the last 10 games.

There's a lack of consistency that is very much needed for a potential playoff run, though. For example, DC beat the Pens 6-0 and the Blackhawks 4-1 then went dead silent against Winnipeg, getting shutout. Yes, the Jets have a stout blue line, but you simply cannot just disappear offensively. The Caps registered only 23 shots on goal and had just one power play. Both Dylan Strome and Alex Ovechkin failed to make any noise.

These two are the main two producers on the Capitals roster. Strome has a team-best 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists) while Ovi has 18 goals and 30 assists. John Carlson is the only other who has surpassed the 30-point mark. Wednesday is the second of a five-game West Coast road trip for Washington, who will face the Kraken, Canucks, and Flames next. The Caps are 13-14-4 away from home.

Oilers Are Legit

Edmonton started off the 2023-24 campaign in such poor fashion and had many wondering what the season would shape up to be for them. But, they proceeded to win 16 straight games and shoot themselves towards the top of the Pacific Division and the Western Conference, where they've stayed for the last couple of months. The Oilers are second in the Pacific behind Vancouver and fifth overall in the West, compiling a 39-21-3 record.

Like every year, offense is the name of the game for Edmonton. That tends to be the case when you have the best player in hockey and arguably the second-best. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are an unstoppable pairing. McDavid is sitting on 103 points with 24 goals and 79 assists, while Draisaitl has 82 points. Zach Hyman leads the Oilers in goals with 43. Overall, there are six different players with a minimum of 40 points apiece and several others between 20-30. Lots of guys can contribute. Defensively, Edmonton is also showing well, allowing only 2.84 goals per night, which is ninth in the league.

The Oilers certainly brought their best against Pittsburgh. McDavid starred with a goal and an assist, while defenceman Darnell Nurse of all people scored twice. Both of his goals came in the third period, too. The shots were quite even (42-41) but Edmonton took advantage of their opportunities. That also meant Calvin Pickard was busy in net, making 41 saves. That victory ended a two-game losing streak for the Oilers, who will play on home ice until next Thursday before hitting the road again. Edmonton is a stout 20-8-2 at Rogers Place. Second place in the Pacific is likely where this team will end the season considering the Nucks are 10 points ahead while the Kings are four points behind the Oilers.

Capitals vs Oilers Picks

Edmonton thrives at home and will likely have their way with the Washington blue line. The pick feels obvious here. Take the Oilers' moneyline with confidence.

Oilers moneyline Vs Capitals
-265
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Meet the author

Quinn Allen

Quinn Allen leverages his broadcast journalism degree and passion for sports in his betting previews and analysis. Based in Kelowna, Canada, he has emerged as an expert voice with picks featured on OSB, MTS, SBD, and as a ClutchPoints editor. With a lifelong fandom of...

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