The New York Rangers (23-8-1), first in the NHL standings for the Metropolitan Division, host the Washington Capitals (17-9-5), fourth in the Metropolitan, in one of 14 NHL matchups on the NHL schedule today. Washington beat New York 4-0 in their most recent meeting on December 9.
Capitals vs Rangers Picks
- Pick 1: Rangers -1.5 (+120)
- Pick 2: Under 5.5 (+115)
Darcy Kuemper (2.90 GAA, .900 save percentage) is the expected starting goaltender for the Capitals and Igor Shesterkin (2.86 GAA, .907 save percentage) is likely to start in goal for the Rangers. Let’s check out the Capitals vs. Rangers odds and betting predictions for tonight’s game.
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Odds
Washington is the betting underdog for the Capitals vs. Rangers odds with +185 moneyline odds and +1.5 (-140) puck line odds. New York is the betting favorite with NHL odds of -225 for the moneyline and -1.5 (+120) puck line odds. The over/under is 5.5.
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Information
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
Location of the game: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 27 at 7 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Betting Preview
Defense Leading Capitals to Victory
The Washington Capitals standings have been much better this season than most expected and that’s in large part due to the team’s impressive defense and goaltending. They have allowed the sixth-fewest goals in NHL stats (2.68) and rank 18th in shots allowed (30.7). They also have the ninth-best penalty kill in the league at 82.7 percent. Washington is 8-5-2 away from home in NHL picks this season and an impressive 9-2-1 against teams in the Metropolitan.
The Capitals have played this well without the usual goal-scoring prowess of Alexander Ovechkin, who has just six goals in 31 games this season and is tied with Dylan Strome for the team lead in NHL player stats with 20 points. Strome leads the Washington Capitals with 13 goals.
T.J. Oshie is on the NHL injury report for the Capitals with a lower-body injury. Sonny Milano and Max Pacioretty are also out with injury. Pacioretty is expecting to make his season debut sometime in the new year.
Rangers League-Best Power-Play Firing on All Cylinders
The New York Rangers roster is among the deepest in the league, so it’s no surprise the team is favored in Capitals vs. Rangers odds. They’re especially good with the man advantage, ranking first in power-play percentage at 31.1. They’ve scored seven power-play goals in their last five games. The Capitals will have to play a disciplined game to keep this one close.
New York, among the NHL picks today to win the Eastern Conference, is 11-4-0 at Madison Square Garden this season. They’re T12th in goals (3.34) and eighth in goals allowed (2.75). They’re a top-15 team in almost all offensive and defensive categories this season. Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers in NHL player stats with 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists), while four others, including Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox, have at least 20 points.
Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil are expected to be out for the Rangers.
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Betting Picks
The Washington Capitals are 14-17 against the spread (ATS), including 7-8 on the road, and have an over-under record of 9-21-1. The Rangers are 15-17 ATS, including 5-10 at home, and have an over-under record of 15-17. After looking to the scores and odds, expect the Rangers to cover the puck line in the Capitals vs. Rangers odds, while the under is another solid bet considering how often it has hit in these teams’ games.
- Pick 1: Rangers -1.5 (+120)
- Pick 2: Under 5.5 (+115)
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