The Washington Capitals (40-31-11) travel to face off against the New York Rangers (54-23-4) on Sunday, April 21st. This game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and televised on ESPN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 3:00 ET.

Capitals vs Rangers

The Washington Capitals Are Coming Off A Win

Heading into today’s game, the Capitals are 8th in the Eastern Conference with 91 points and a record of 40-31-11. In their last three games, Washington has won three straight and is 4-1 in their last five games and 4-6 in their last ten games. On the road, the Capitals are 18-19-4 on the season.

As the underdog, Washington has a record of 26-28-8 this season and has won three straight games when coming in as the underdog. Against Eastern Conference opponents, the Capitals are 25-25 this season and 16-10 against Metropolitan Division teams.

Washington has a puck line record of 40-42 this year and 20 of their losses have come by multiple goals. So far, the team’s average scoring margin sits at -0.5 goals per game.

They have gone 3-0 against the puck line in their last three games and their overall puck line record as the underdog is 35-27. On the road, the Capitals have a puck line record of 19-22.

In their most recent matchup, the Capitals played against the Flyers and won with a score of 2-1. The Capitals managed to find the net one time in the 3rd period against the Flyers, following their one goal in the first period. All two goals came at even strength. They finished with 18 shots on goal and had 8 turnovers.

Despite being the underdog, Washington managed to secure a win against the puck line in the game. The game finished below the over/under line of 5.5 with a combined total of 3 goals.

The New York Rangers Are Coming Off A Win

With the playoffs just around the corner, the New York Rangers have already clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference and the Metropolitan Division. Heading into today’s game, the Rangers have won two straight games and have a record of 54-23-4. At home this season, New York has gone 29-11-0.

Over their last ten games, the Rangers have gone 7-3, and they have been favored in 64 of their 81 games this season. Against other teams in the Eastern Conference, New York is 34-16 this season. In their last five games, the Rangers have gone 3-2.

So far this season, the Rangers are 40-41 against the puck line, including going 25-39 when favored. They have 31 wins by multiple goals and an average scoring margin of +.6 goals per game.

At home, New York is 18-22 vs. the puck line, and their average scoring margin is +.7 goals per contest. In their last 10 games at home, the Rangers have gone just 3-7 against the puck line.

In their last game, the Rangers were the hosts against the Senators, and they came away with a 4-0 win. Against the Senators, Rangers’ offense was able to score in all three periods. For the game, the New York offense took 34 shots on goal and scored one time while short handed.

New York came in as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage and, as a result, recorded a win against the puck line. The game ended below the over/under line of 6.5, with a combined total of 4 goals.

Washington Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Capitals are averaging 2.6 goals per game which is 28th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 30th in the league. The Washington offense is ranked 22nd in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 32nd in the NHL.

This season, the Capitals have an over/under record of 34-42-6. Throughout the season, they have played 42 games that went over the 5.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 5.8 per game.

Rangers Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Rangers are scoring an 3.4 goals per game this season, ranking 9th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 14th in the league. New York’s offense comes into the game ranked 7th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 11th in the NHL.

The Rangers come in with an over/under record of 44-34-3. Over the season, there have been 50 games that have surpassed the 5.5 over/under line. Their games, on average, are at 6.3 goals per game.

Washington Team Defense

The Capitals defense is currently 12th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 30.4 shots per game against Washington. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 6th with 7 shutouts.

New York Team Defense

New York defense takes on the Capitals ranked 22nd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 29.3 shots per game against New York. They also are 14th in shutouts, with 5 shutouts.

Capitals vs Rangers Trends

• Washington has played well in their previous three road games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 2. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 2-1.
• Across their three previous home games, New York has an puck line mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-1 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• The Rangers have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 4-1 against the spread.
• Against the spread, the Capitals have put together of 1-4 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 3-2 straight up.

Capitals vs Rangers Prediction

For those seeking a straight moneyline bet, the Rangers are the top choice. Nonetheless, with a payout of -238, you might want to use this bet as a part of a parlay to get better odds.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Capitals to cover. Even in the event of a Rangers victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Capitals should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 5.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.