NHL
Sports Interaction Staff
October 28, 2017

Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Oilers: NHL Odds, Prediction

With points in three of their last four games – and a season-high in goals last time out – it appears the Edmonton Oilers might finally be turning the corner as they welcome the Washington Capitals to Rogers Place on Saturday night. The Oilers held off Dallas 5-4 on Thursday behind three assists from Leon Draisaitl, whose return from eye and concussion issues has coincided with Edmonton’s recent hot spell.

Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Oilers

Moneyline: TBA
Date: Saturday, October 28, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alta.

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

Edmonton is the favorite according to oddsmakers, though both teams have had issues playing against teams from their opponent’s division. Washington has just two victories in its previous seven games against Pacific foes, including a 6-2 thumping at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks to open its three-game trek through the Canadian west coast. On the flip side, the Oilers have dropped seven consecutive games against Metropolitan opponents.

Given their mostly-solid offence, it’s no surprise the Capitals have played seven overs through 10 games, but the Oilers’ offensive struggles have actually made them a slightly stronger under play (4-5 O/U). Washington has been a particularly solid over play on the road, going above the total in 16 of its previous 22 games away from Capital One Arena. Edmonton appears to be a game opponent in that regard, with overs in each of its previous four home games.

Washington Capitals

The Washington offence has slowed to a crawl after lighting up the scoreboard in the early going; the Capitals rank 20th in the NHL in goals per game entering Friday night (2.9) and have scored two or fewer goals in four of their last five games. Given that the home team has taken 19 of the last 24 games in this series, Washington will need to rediscover its offensive form to keep up with the Oilers’ gradually improving offence.

Edmonton Oilers

While much of the early focus has been on Edmonton’s inability to generate much offence (outside of Connor McDavid), the Oilers’ special teams deserves consideration for their slow start, as well. Edmonton ranks 26th in power-play success rate (13.8 percent) and has been even less impressive on the penalty kill, sitting second-last in the league at 70.3 percent. Edmonton surrendered three power-play goals in the win over Dallas.