The New York Rangers (18-16-4) and Washington Capitals (19-12-5) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Capitals are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5. The Capitals are a 61-cent favorite to win outright, while the Rangers are listed at 41-cents to pull off the upset on Fanatics Markets.
Let's get into my Rangers vs. Capitals predictions and NHL picks.
Rangers vs. Capitals Odds, Pick
(If you're unfamiliar with Fanatics Markets, read more here.)
- Rangers vs. Capitals Spread: Rangers +1.5 (64-cents), Capitals -1.5 (38-cents)
- Rangers vs. Capitals Over/Under: 5.5 (49-cents / 53-cents)
- Rangers vs. Capitals Moneyline: Rangers 40-cents, Capitals 61-cents
Rangers vs. Capitals Preview
New York Rangers
There have been five or fewer total goals scored in seven of the New York Rangers’ past nine games, a trend that exists due to multiple variables. First, this offense is practically non-existent.
Failing to generate high-danger scoring chances, New York ranks 28th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). The Rangers have also struggled on special teams, ranking in the bottom half of the league in power play percentage.
Mix in a mere 9.6% finishing rate, and it is not surprising that they rank last in goals scored per game.
On the other hand, New York ranks seventh in goals allowed per game, which is a result of goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s brilliant play in the crease. Projected to start Tuesday, Shesterkin carries a 15-11-3 record, a .908 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average into this matchup.
Washington Capitals
Shesterkin’s dominance is likely to continue against the Washington Capitals, a team he has thrived against. Through 18 career meetings, the Rangers’ netminder is 12-5-1 with a commanding .917 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average.
However, you can’t talk about elite goaltending in this game without highlighting Washington’s Logan Thompson, who is expected to start across the ice. Thompson finished fourth in last year's Vezina Trophy race and has taken his game to another level this season.
Currently the Vezina Trophy favorite, Thompson is 14-8-3 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average through 25 starts. It certainly helps his case that the Capitals rank in the top half of the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), but that doesn’t take away from his dominance this season.
Rangers vs. Capitals Prediction
Like Shesterkin, Thompson possesses a respectable track record against Tuesday’s opponent. Over his past three starts against New York, Thompson carries a spotless 3-0 record with a .902 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average.
These two teams squared off earlier this season, with the Capitals securing a 1-0 win. Considering that both teams ran their backup goaltenders in that matchup, a rematch with Shesterkin and Thompson in net should only increase the probability of another low-scoring affair.
Pick: Under 5.5 (-110 | Play to -115)
