Predicted Oilers Lineup Tonight: Edmonton's projected lines for game against Washington Capitals

After an dismal 5-1 defeat Sabres, the Edmonton Oilers have travelled to Washington to take on Alex Ovechkin and his Capitals on Wednesday night at the Capital One Arena.

Historically, the Oilers have a 13-25-2-2 away record vs. the Capitals, and have a 4-7-2 away record so far this season. Connor McDavid is leading the charge with 30 points in 21 games, but Edmonton has been struggling defensively, and the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff, and front office, despite an average record quarter-way into the 2025-26 season.

According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, there has been no pattern to the losses that Edmonton has suffered so far this season, meaning there is particular fix to their defensive problems.

"Usually, we've been giving up a lot of chances off the rush. Tonight, that wasn't the case. I thought we did a pretty good job on that. In the defensive zone, they had us running around, whether we were getting beat to the net or just not being aggressive enough, being so tight in the middle and just letting them walk around when we have to be a little more assertive there. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing a pattern," said Knoblauch.

Oilers projected lines vs. Capitals (Subject to change)

Forwards:

Savoie - McDavid - Hyman

Podkolzin - Draisaitl- Roslovic

Magiapane - Henrique - Frederic

Janmark - Philp - Lazar

Defense:

Ekholm - Bouchard

Nurse - Walman

Kulak - Regula

Goaltender:

Skinner

Pickard

Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin had a clear message for his team after dropping a 5-1 game to the Sabres.

"It's just another game, so we've got to be ready to play against Washington. Not much to say, but we'd better figure it out as soon as possible," said Podkolzin.

The Washington Capitals have been struggling, and are bottom of the Metropolitan Division with 20 points from a 9-8-2 record. Despite a losing record, Logan Thompson has been in red hot form this season, with a 1.85 GAA and 0.925 SV% leading him to just one win in seven games.

Oilers' goaltending has been under extreme scrutiny, since the past two seasons, and Stuart Skinner with his 2.86 GAA and 0.889 SV% will be entrusted to keep the nets against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals.