The New York Rangers (17-19-1) travel to face off against the Washington Capitals (25-11-3) on Saturday, January 4th. This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and televised on ABC. The Rangers are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Capitals are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Hurricanes. Puck drop is set for 12:00 ET.

Rangers vs Capitals

The New York Rangers Are Coming Off A Win

With a 5-2 win over the Islanders, the Rangers improved to 17-19-1. As -1.5 goal favorites, they covered the puck line. The total was set at 6 goals, and the combined 7 goals went over.

Four different players scored for the Rangers in this one. Artemi Panarin led the way with two goals, including an empty-netter to seal the game.

The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Following a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes, the Capitals now sit at 25-11-3 this season. Washington had a 2-1 lead after the first period, but Carolina scored the final three goals of the game.

The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score matched that number. Washington, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. Both of the Capitals’ goals came in the first period, with the Hurricanes scoring the game’s last three goals.

New York Offense Breakdown

In their matchup against the Islanders, the Rangers fired 40 shots on goal and scored 5 times. Artemi Panarin found the net twice, with his 9th goal coming on an empty net. Chris Kreider opened the scoring with his 8th goal, while Vincent Trocheck added his 4th. Adam Edstrom also netted his 1st goal of the season.

Mika Zibanejad picked up his 8th assist on Panarin’s empty-netter and also assisted on Kreider’s shorthanded goal, his 7th of the season. Panarin’s first goal came on a power play in the second period.

Capitals Offense Breakdown

Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal in the Capitals’ 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Washington took 21 shots on goal and recorded 15 offensive giveaways.

Ovechkin’s goal came at 19:16 in the first period, followed by Duhaime’s at 19:49. John Carlson picked up his 7th assist on Ovechkin’s goal, with Dylan Strome adding his 13th assist. Nic Dowd earned his 2nd assist on Duhaime’s goal.

New York Team Defense

Defensively, the Rangers will look to carry their momentum from their last game, where they gave up just 2 goals to the Islanders. Igor Shesterkin made 35 saves, finishing with a 94.6% save percentage. The Rangers’ defense also contributed 10 takeaways, 19 hits, and 18 blocks.

Washington Team Defense

Washington’s defense will look to bounce back after giving up the first goal and three straight to end the game in their previous matchup. The Hurricanes scored at 5:59 in the first period, then added two more in the second and a final empty-netter in the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, while the defense recorded 2 takeaways and 20 hits.

Rangers vs Capitals Trends

• Through their last three road contests, the Rangers offense has averaged 1 goals per game while allowing an average of 5. New York posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 0-3 ATS.
• Across their last three home contests, Washington has been good against the puck line posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 3 goals per game.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Capitals have a straight up record of 6-4 and an puck line mark of 8-2.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting favorite, the Rangers have gone 0-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.

Rangers vs Capitals Prediction

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Capitals to secure a victory over the Rangers at home. With the moneyline currently set at -161, I’m locking in my bet on the Capitals straight-up.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Capitals to win and cover. Watch for the Capitals to win this game by multiple goals over the Rangers.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.

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

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* 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.