Capitals vs Oilers Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The Washington Capitals (36-11-8) welcome the Edmonton Oilers (34-17-4) to Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon in a compelling matchup between two division leaders.

Both teams enter this contest following the 4-Nations Face Off break, with the Metropolitan Division-leading Capitals holding a commanding 10-point advantage over Carolina, while the Oilers are locked in a tight battle atop the Pacific Division with Vegas.

Washington's stellar goaltender Logan Thompson has been a difference-maker this season, posting impressive numbers with a 2.23 goals-against average and .921 save percentage across 31 appearances.

The Oilers bring their league-leading offense to DC, spearheaded by Leon Draisaitl's 40 goals and 83 points, alongside Connor McDavid's 71-point campaign.

While both teams have demonstrated exceptional two-way play, with Washington averaging 3.6 goals per game and Edmonton posting 3.3, the absence of key players like T.J. Oshie and Evander Kane could impact their respective strategies.

This cross-conference showdown promises to showcase elite talent and championship-caliber hockey, as these powerhouse teams look to strengthen their positions heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Oilers preview

A thrilling matchup awaits as the division-leading Washington Capitals (36-11-8) host the Edmonton Oilers (34-17-4) at Capital One Arena in what promises to be an electrifying Sunday afternoon showdown.

Both teams enter this contest as powerhouses in their respective divisions, with the Capitals holding a commanding 10-point lead in the Metropolitan Division while the Oilers are tied for first in the Pacific.

The Capitals have been nearly unstoppable at both ends of the ice, boasting the league's third-best scoring average (3.6 goals per game) while maintaining a stingy defense that allows just 2.5 goals against.

Edmonton's dynamic duo of Leon Draisaitl (40 goals, 83 points) and Connor McDavid (22 goals, 49 assists) continues to terrorize opponents, spearheading the NHL's most prolific shooting offense with 32.6 shots per game.

Washington's netminder Logan Thompson has been exceptional this season, posting a remarkable 24-2-5 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.

The Capitals will have to manage without several key players, including Sonny Milano, Nicklas Backstrom, and T.J. Oshie, while the Oilers are missing Alec Regula and Evander Kane.

Washington enters the contest having won nine of their last 13 games, while Edmonton has impressed with victories in 13 of their last 19 matchups.

The scheduling could play a crucial factor as both teams complete back-to-back games, though the Capitals hold the advantage of playing their second consecutive game at home.

With Washington's superior goaltending and home-ice advantage potentially giving them the edge, this matchup between two of the NHL's most exciting teams could come down to special teams play, where the Capitals' sixth-ranked penalty kill (82.6%) will be tested by Edmonton's potent power play (25%).