Game Details
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)
Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (home game for Edmonton Oilers)
Broadcast: ESPN+, CBC, CITY, SN, TVAS2, MNMT (regional and streaming options available)
This Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup pits a resilient Washington Capitals team against the high-powered Edmonton Oilers in a game that could have playoff implications. The Capitals have struggled with consistency but boast veteran leadership, while the Oilers rely on star talent to overcome recent defensive issues. Expect a fast-paced contest, with Edmonton’s home crowd adding intensity.
Washington sits in the middle of the Metropolitan Division standings, fighting for a wildcard spot. Edmonton holds a playoff position in the Pacific, driven by offensive firepower but hampered by goaltending inconsistencies
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with mixed results in January 2026, but Edmonton has shown more offensive pop. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Washington Capitals (Form: L-L-W-L-W):
Jan 23 at Calgary Flames: Upcoming (as of Jan 23), but projected as a tough road test
Jan 21 vs. Vancouver Canucks: Loss (Canucks score 4 straight to win)
Jan 19 vs. Colorado Avalanche: Loss (details limited; defensive issues)
Jan 17 vs. Florida Panthers: Loss 2-5 (rebounded but couldn’t overcome early deficit)
Jan 15 vs. San Jose Sharks: Win 4-1 (strong performance; snapped brief skid)
The Capitals are 2-3 in their last five, averaging 2.4 goals per game with defensive lapses contributing to losses. They’ve dropped four straight heading into Jan 23, increasing urgency
Edmonton Oilers (Form: L-L-W-W-W):
Jan 22 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Loss (allowed franchise-record three goals in 37 seconds; fell short)
Jan 21 vs. New Jersey Devils: Loss 1-2 (tied late but couldn’t convert)
Jan 18 vs. St. Louis Blues: Win 5-0 (dominant shutout; strong third period)
Jan 17 at Vancouver Canucks: Win 6-0 (six-goal second period; Jarry shutout)
Jan 15 vs. New York Islanders: Loss 0-1 (tight defensive battle)
The Oilers are 3-2 in their last five, averaging 2.8 goals per game but allowing quick bursts in losses. They’ve alternated wins and losses recently, with goaltending shining in victories
Series History
The Capitals and Oilers have met 86 times all-time (regular season), with Edmonton holding a 36-42-6-2 edge overall, but Washington has been competitive recently. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Oilers lead 36-42-6-2, with an average combined score of 5.9 goals per game. Recent History: Oilers are 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings. Capitals won the most recent on Nov 19, 2025, 7-4. Trends: Games often go over the total (average 6.5 goals in last 5); Oilers are 7-3 at home vs. Capitals historically. No playoff history between these franchises, but the series is defined by star-driven offense and occasional blowouts.
Injury Report
Washington Capitals:
Pierre-Luc Dubois (LW): Out (abdomen; placed on IR Jan 2)
Cullen Potter (LW): Out (undisclosed)
Zayne Parekh (D): Out (undisclosed)
No other major injuries; veterans like Alex Ovechkin are expected to play.
Edmonton Oilers:
Kasperi Kapanen (RW): Out (expected to miss a week; IR as of Jan 20)
Adam Henrique (F): LTIR (injury vs. Predators Jan 7; out until late February)
Jake Walman (D): Questionable (skated Jan 23; possible return)
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl: Updates suggest ongoing recovery, but no confirmation for Jan 24 (monitor closely)
Evander Kane (LW): Long-term (multiple surgeries; out since Sep 2024)
Edmonton’s forward depth is tested, while Washington’s injuries impact secondary scoring.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights superstar talent and defensive challenges. Here are the pivotal matchups
Tom Wilson (Washington, RW) vs. Connor McDavid (Edmonton, C): Wilson’s physicality and net-front presence test McDavid’s speed and playmaking (if healthy). This could dictate Edmonton’s transition game
Jakob Chychrun (Washington, D) vs. Evan Bouchard (Edmonton, D): Chychrun’s two-way play faces Bouchard’s offensive rushes from the blue line. Power-play efficiency here is key.
Logan Thompson (Washington, G) vs. Tristan Jarry (Edmonton, G): Thompson steps up for Caps, while Jarry’s recent shutout (31 saves Jan 17) anchors Oilers.
Alex Ovechkin (Washington, LW) vs. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton, C): Ovechkin’s lethal shot vs. Draisaitl’s scoring touch (if available); secondary scoring could swing the game.
Edmonton’s stars give them an edge if healthy, but Washington’s grit could exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Betting Trends
Washington Capitals: 3-2 ATS in last 5; over in 3 of last 5 road games. 5-1 as underdogs in last 6, but struggling SU (2-3 last 5). Edmonton Oilers: 3-2 in last 5 games; 2-3 ATS recently. 13-15 on road against spread, but strong as favorites (56.7% win rate). Head-to-Head Trends: Oilers 7-2-1 in last 10; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Capitals +1.5 hits 70% in series. League trend: January 2026 games with home favorites trend under 55% due to defensive adjustments.
Game Odds
Washington Capitals 6.5
Edmonton Oilers – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
