Two of the NHL’s most-lethal power play teams, the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers face off at Madison Square Garden for a Metropolitan Division matchup. The first puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 26, and you’ll be able to watch it live on NBC Sports Network.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Odds
Washington (-165) is currently the favorite over New York (+145) and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at an even 6 goals (-115 for the over, -105 for the under).
Washington is 44-31 straight up (SU) and has earned 8.4 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 75 regular season contests, 43 of its games have gone over the total, while 31 have gone under and just one has pushed. This 2017-18 Capitals team is 18-20 SU on the road.
Washington has converted on 23.0 percent of its power play chances this season, a mark that’s good enough for fifth-best in the NHL. Its penalty kill is ranked 19th overall, and it has successfully killed off 79.8 percent of all penalties.
The Caps, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.1 times per game this season, and 3.4 per game over its last five on the road. The team’s had to kill penalties just 7.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
With a .906 save percentage and 27.5 saves per game, Braden Holtby (31-19-4) has been the primary option in goal for Washington this year. If head coach Barry Trotz chooses to rest him, however, Washington could roll with Philipp Grubauer (13-19-3 record, .923 save percentage, 2.35 goals against average).
Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov will both spearhead the attack for the visiting Capitals. Ovechkin has 81 points on 44 goals and 37 assists, and has recorded two or more points 22 times. Kuznetsov has 23 goals and 50 assists to his creditand has registered at least one point in 43 games.
On the other bench, New York is 33-42 straight up (SU) and has lost 8.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 75 regular season matches, 41 of its games have gone over the total, while 31 have gone under and just three have pushed. This year, the team is 21-18 SU as the home team.
The Rangers have converted on 22.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places it in the top-10 among NHL teams. Its penalty kill is also ranked seventh overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.7 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York players have been sent to the penalty box 3.5 times per game in total this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five home outings. The team’s been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Henrik Lundqvist (29.1 saves per game) has been the top choice in goal for the Rangers. Lundqvist has 25 wins, 34 losses, and six OT losses and has recorded a .915 save percentage and 2.94 goals against average this season.
Mats Zuccarello (15 goals, 35 assists) will lead the offensive attack for NY.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Betting Predictions
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Rangers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Washington is 3-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 3-5 in shootouts.
- The over has hit in four of New York’s last five games.
- Washington’s attempted 28.9 shots per contest overall this season (ranked 31st in the NHL), and 30.0 in its last 10 outings.
