The New York Rangers (19-17-5) and Washington Capitals (20-14-5) meet in an NHL Metropolitan Division duel on New Year's Eve. Puck drop is set for 12:30 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 (-120 / +100). The Capitals are a 57-cent favorite to win outright, while the Rangers are 44-cent 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
Rangers vs. Capitals Preview
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers rank second-to-last in the league in goals scored per game, which is the result of multiple factors. First, the team struggles to generate high-danger scoring chances.
This season, New York ranks 28th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). It is difficult to finish when shots are coming from low-danger areas, which helps explain why the Rangers also rank 27th in shooting percentage.
Furthermore, New York has struggled on special teams. Entering this matchup, it ranks in the bottom half of the league in power play percentage.
With all of these factors in mind, it is not surprising that the Rangers have scored two or fewer goals in six of their past eight games.
Washington Capitals
New York’s offensive woes are likely to continue against the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Logan Thompson is the current Vezina Trophy front-runner and is expected to start for Washington in this matchup.
Through 28 starts this season, Thompson is 15-10-3 with a .915 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average. His job is made easier by the Capitals’ ability to suppress opposing chances, as they rank 13th in shots on goal allowed per game.
That trend should continue on New Year’s Eve, considering the Rangers rank 26th in shots on goal per game. Additionally, New York has scored two or fewer goals in two of the past three meetings between these teams.
Rangers vs. Capitals Prediction
The Rangers’ offense has been lifeless this season. They have struggled to generate quality looks, regardless of whether they are at even strength or on the power play.
Not only are they failing to generate quality shots, but they are also failing to generate volume. Washington does a strong job limiting shots to begin with, which should make Thompson’s job relatively easy in this matchup.
Pick: Rangers Team Total Under 2.5
