Capitals vs Oilers Picks, Predictions, and Odds Tonight

Washington Capitals are on a Western swing and they are visiting Edmonton Oilers on Monday, December 5. Both teams have underperformed expectations through the first quarter of the season. The Oilers have become one-dimensional since Evander Kane's injury and their defense is suspect.

Darcy Kuemper is expected to start for Washington against Edmonton. If Kuemsper can't play, Charlie Lindgren will start. Edmonton's special teams are weak, but their penalty kill is good. Washington's penalty-killing team is in good shape. Edmonton is second in the league in power-play goals, 22nd in goals for per 60 minutes at 5v5. The loss of Evander Kane has been detrimental to the Oilers' offensive production. They rank in top half of the NHL in penalty minutes and eighth in kill percentage.

The best bet for me is Capitals moneyline (+140 at bet365).

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Edmonton's defense is very poor. The team's goalie, Stuart Skinner, has a poor .868 SV% and 3.77 GAA recently. Skinner made his only career start against Washington earlier this season, and he allowed five goals on 31 shots.

Edmonton's offense has started games slowly in Kane's absence. Washington's defense has not been that much better. Kuemper should start and the Caps should stay out of the penalty box. I would lean towards the Over but am staying away from the total.

Kuemper has won seven of his last 11 starts against the Oilers.