Oilers vs Capitals Prediction, Odds & Props for Sunday Afternoon Hockey (Feb. 23)

• The Edmonton Oilers (34-18-4) visit the Washington Capitals (37-11-8) on Sunday afternoon
• We’ve made our Oilers vs Capitals prediction for Sunday, February 23, 2025
• Read below for Oilers vs Capitals prediction, odds and props for today’s game on TNT

The Edmonton Oilers (34-18-4) head to Capital One Arena to face the Washington Capitals (37-11-8) in a Sunday matinee on February 23, 2025. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM Eastern Time, with national coverage provided by TNT.

The Capitals enter as slight +105 home underdogs, while the over/under is set at 6.5 goals. Can Alex Ovechkin and the Caps take down Connor McDavid and the Oilers?

Here is our Oilers vs Capitals prediction for this marquee Sunday showdown.

Oilers vs Capitals Prediction

I’m backing the Capitals to get the home win at plus-money against the tired Oilers. Washington has been the NHL’s best team this season with 82 points, pacing the tough Metropolitan division by a wide margin. The Caps are an impressive 17-4-6 at Capital One Arena.

Washington boasts a balanced attack featuring six 40+ point scorers, led by dynamic centerman Dylan Strome (55 points in 56 games). The Capitals also rank 1st in goals scored per game (3.64) and 2nd in goals against per game (2.50), a lethal combination.

With both teams playing the second of a back-to-back, Washington’s superior goalie depth could be the difference, as backup Charlie Lindgren (12-9-3, 2.63 GAA, .902 save percentage) is likely to start.

While Edmonton’s superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are always dangerous, the Capitals were able to limit them to just two total points in their 3-2 win in the last meeting on January 21st. Washington’s stout defense and penalty kill (5th at 82.2%) could frustrate the Oilers stars again.

The Oilers are in a tough scheduling spot, playing their second of five straight road games. Edmonton starter Stuart Skinner has struggled lately with a sub-.900 save percentage, meaning backup Calvin Pickard will likely get the nod on the back-to-back. Pickard has been solid this year (14-5-0, 2.52 GAA, .901 save percentage), but he doesn’t face many elite offensive teams.

Some notable trends point to a Capitals victory as well. Edmonton is 1-5 in their last 6 games against Eastern Conference opponents and a dreadful 4-13 in their last 17 road games versus Washington. Expect the deep and talented Caps to grind out a regulation win against the weary Oilers.

Sunday Hockey Pick:

• Capitals ML (+105 at ESPN Bet)

Oilers vs Capitals Odds

The Oilers are currently slight road favorites, with the moneyline set at -125. This means that a $125 bet on Edmonton would return a profit of $100 if they come away with the win. On the other hand, the Capitals are home underdogs at +105, offering a potential return of $105 on a $100 wager.

Edmonton is listed at -1.5 (185) on the puck line, while Washington is at +1.5 (-250). A bet on the Oilers puck line would require them to win by two or more goals, but it would provide a lucrative +185 payout. The Capitals puck line bet would cash if they either win outright or lose by only one goal.

The total (over/under) for this contest is set at 6.5 goals, with +115 odds on the over and -135 on the under. This suggests oddsmakers expect plenty of scoring but nothing too crazy.

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Odds as of February 23, 2025 at ESPN Sportsbook. Find the best NHL betting apps for Sunday showdowns. Bettors in Alberta can check out Alberta sports betting apps.

Capitals Player Prop Pick

Tom Wilson – Anytime Goalscorer (+230 at DK)

If he suits up, Capitals power forward Tom Wilson is my favorite anytime goalscorer prop at +230 odds. The bruising winger is enjoying a career year with 25 goals in 56 games, already setting a new personal best. He’s been especially lethal lately, lighting the lamp in three straight home contests.

Wilson has a track record of success against the Oilers, scoring in the Capitals’ 3-2 victory in Edmonton last month. For the season, he’s scored in 19 of his 56 appearances (34%), including six multi-goal efforts. With his shooting percentage at a career-high 19.8%, Wilson is a constant threat to beat goalies with his heavy shot.

The one concern is a potential undisclosed injury Wilson sustained late in yesterday’s 8-3 rout of Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old winger left after being limited to just 12:17 of ice time. However, if he’s able to go, his increased role (averaging a career-best 18:44 per game) and power play time (2:52 per game) give him ample opportunities to cash this juicy +230 prop.

Keep an eye on Wilson’s status leading up to puck drop. If he’s in the lineup and not limited by the knock, he’s well worth a bet to score at generous plus-money odds given his hot streak and nose for the net.