Two squads that are squarely in playoff contention, the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals meet at Capital One Arena for a divisional tilt. Sportsnet will showcase the matchup, and the opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 8.
New York Rangers at Washington Capitals Odds
The Capitals are 17-12 straight up (SU) and have netted moneyline bettors 3.0 units this season. That winning percentage, the third-best in the Metropolitan Division in this young season, is a regression from the 55-27 record that the team managed during the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 29 regular season matches, 16 of its games have gone over the total, while 13 have gone under and none have pushed. This season, the team is 11-5 SU at home.
Washington’s converted on 22.1 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s good enough for eighth-best in the league. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 20th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 78.8 percent of all penalties.
Washington, as a collective unit, has been whistled for penalties 4.6 times per game overall this season, and 3.2 per game over its last five outings. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 7.6 minutes per game over its last five matchups, in total.
Averaging 29.2 saves per game with a .921 save percentage, Braden Holtby (15-6) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Capitals this year. If they decide to rest him, however, Washington might turn to Philipp Grubauer (2-8-8 record, .893 save percentage, 3.21 goals against average).
Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov will each look to continue their strong seasons for the Capitals. Ovechkin (32 points) has tallied 21 goals and 11 assists and has recorded two or more points in six different games this year. Kuznetsov has 10 goals and 21 assists to his name and has recorded a point in 18 contests.
On the other side of the rink, New York is 15-12 straight up (SU) and has earned 0.9 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 16 of its games have gone over the total, while nine have gone under and just two have pushed. New York’s 4-5 SU as the visiting team this season.
New York has converted on 21.5 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 18th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.5 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s players have been penalized 3.7 times per game in total this season, and 2.6 per game over their last five match ups. The team’s been forced to kill penalties just 7.5 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Henrik Lundqvist (2.66 goals against average and .917 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 27.3 saves per game and owns a 13-10-2 record.
For the visiting Rangers, the offense will be facilitated through Mats Zuccarello (five goals, 17 assists) and Mika Zibanejad (11 goals, 11 assists).
New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Rangers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
The total has gone over in four of Washington’s last five games.
Extra-man opportunities could prove to be critical in tonight’s game. The Rangers are 7-5 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 10-6 in games where they serve fewer than 10 total penalty minutes. The Capitals are 7-1 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 9-3 when total penalty minutes are in the single digits.
Washington is 2-0 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 1-1 in shootouts.
Washington has forced 8.8 takeaways per game over its last five home games, an improvement over its season average of 6.8 takeaways per game (ranked 21st overall).
New York skaters have created 9.2 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 10.3 takeaways per game (ranked fifth in the league).
