Media by Associated Press – Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) handles the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in St. Paul, Minn. Minnesota won 5-3. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
There is a light schedule on the NHL docket on Monday, but there are several fun matchups that provide value. One of the bouts that should be the most fun to watch features one of the biggest stars of the last decade going about against a player who will be the biggest star of the next ten years.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are a -157 favorite against the Washington Capitals, who are nearly on the end of a six-game road swing. The Capitals, who have an aging roster, started to show some road weariness over the past two games. Last Thursday, Seattle came from behind to force overtime and beat them.
Then the Capitals were beaten up by Calgary Saturday night. Edmonton isn’t off to the start it would have liked, either. The Oilers are in fourth place in the Patrick Division despite having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has 21 goals, and Draisatil has scored 17 so far this season.
The Oilers still play well on offense, including having the league’s fifth-best power play, while Edmonton has struggled mightily on defense. Washington is 3-8-2 away from home this season. The Capitals are woeful on offense. Edmonton should pick up a home win.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are +150 on the moneyline as it heads to Boston. Vegas, which sits atop the Pacific Division, has started its four-game road trip, which ends Monday against Boston on the right football. The Golden Knights have won two of three games thus far on the road trip.
Vegas has also been very good outside of Nevada. The Golden Knights have recorded an 11-2-1 record away from home. Vegas also ranks 12th in the league in goals scored and seventh in goals allowed.
Boston is first in goals scored and goals allowed. The Bruins also second on the penalty kill, halting opponents 84.1 percent of the time. Boston is also on a three-game winning streak. However, the Golden Knights aren’t too power-play-reliant for goals and will be able to steal a win on the road.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are a -167 favorite on the moneyline. New York closed last season with a strong playoff run but hasn’t maintained the momentum this season. The Rangers are in fifth place in the division and would like to start accumulating points for what should be a tough race. New York is 7-4-1 straight up at home this season.
The Rangers will have to try and topple St. Louis, which has proven to be a middle-of-the-road team this season. The Blues have lost their last three games and have been struggling defensively. In St. Louis’ last two losses, against Pittsburgh and Carolina, the Blues allowed six goals in each game.
The Rangers’ offense has been mostly middle of the road, putting up 3.0 goals per game. However, playing St. Louis should help regenerate its attack.
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