When the Oilers win, Evan Bouchard is typically involved in the offense. That should be the case in both respects this Sunday with Edmonton drawing the Capitals backup netminder, as our NHL betting picks explain.
NHL
The Edmonton Oilers began their stretch run by laying an egg in Philadelphia, losing 6-3 while generating only 18 shots along the way.
My Oilers vs. Capitals predictions see the road team putting forth a much better effort this time around, with star defenseman Evan Bouchard playing a big part.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for February 23.
My Oilers pick
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists (-120 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Evan Bouchard has hit another gear offensively of late. He’s recorded eight assists over his last nine games and 15 spanning the last 20, setting up a goal in 70% of his games along the way.
While Bouchard was held off the scoresheet against Philadelphia, I think he has a strong chance of rebounding in Washington.
The Washington Capitals started Logan Thompson on Saturday and have rotated their goaltenders all season long. That means it’ll be Charlie Lindgren between the pipes Sunday, which is a win for the Edmonton Oilers.
Lindgren has only won half of his starts for a team that leads the NHL in points per game. His .900 SV% doesn’t hold a candle to Thompson’s (.920) and he has routinely given up goals in chunks, allowing three or more in six of his past eight games.
Lindgren should be more generous with what he gives up than Thompson would be. Not to mention, the Oilers haven’t dropped three games in a row since they started their year that way in October.
The Oilers are remarkably good at steadying the ship as soon as things begin to go south. If that’s the case again today, Bouchard has an excellent chance of creating a goal along the way.
Bouchard has seven assists over Edmonton’s last seven wins and has picked up at least one in 62% of their victories this season.
After a dud of an effort in Saturday’s matinee, I think Connor McDavid and the high-scoring Oilers bounce back in a big way and make the most out of drawing Washington’s backup netminder.
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots on goal
Oilers moneyline
Leon Draisaitl is one of the most consistent shooters in the sport. He’s recorded 3+ shots in 15 of his last 20 games and has averaged four shots on seven attempts during that span. He put up at least two shots in 19 of those games, giving himself a legitimate shot — no pun intended — of clearing every single night.
The Capitals are a terrific team but they are not immune to giving up volume, ranking 21st in attempts against over the last 10 games.
I am backing Edmonton in the battle of the backups. Calvin Pickard has won 14 of his 19 decisions this season and will no doubt have a motivated group in front of him after a dreadful showing in Philadelphia.
Conversely, Lindgren has won 12 of 24 games for the Caps and has put forth some spotty performances in recent weeks. He won’t have any margin for error facing McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and all the elite talent the Oilers possess.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada’s best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Odds courtesy of BET99
Leon Draisaitl has 14 shots on goal over his last three games against Washington. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Capitals.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Todd Cordell is a data-driven betting analyst. He uses numbers to help identify value across a wide variety of sports, with NHL being his specialty. Shot props, in particular, have proven to be a very fruitful market. Todd has served as a betting analyst in the public sphere for many years, most recently with theScore covering the NHL and MLB.
When not writing about sports betting, Todd stays busy analyzing the New Jersey Devils with a fine-tooth comb for InfernalAccess, his Devils-centric blog. Todd attended Sheridan College and graduated in 2014 with a diploma in print journalism.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.