Washington Capitals at New York Rangers Betting Preview
With the trade deadline looming, many franchises are fine-tuning their current rosters and looking at what pieces they can add to help bolster their arsenal to make Stanley Cup runs these playoffs. Both the Capitals and Rangers are going to surely be active in making sure their teams can make deep playoff runs this season.
Washington comes into this matchup just four points behind the Rangers for the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have their sights set on a top-three spot in the division, but with New York having two games in hand on them, the mountain only gets steeper as the games continue.
The Rangers currently have 69 points this season, and they surely are looking to rise up even further up the division rankings. They are one point behind Pittsburgh for the number two spot. Their commitment to defense and goaltending has been crucial in the success this team has had this season.
New York is the money line favorite with -120 odds in this contest. The over/under for this matchup is set at six total goals.
Washington has a Balanced Attack
The Washington Capitals have primarily been known for their offensive ability and the fact that they put their defense on the back burner. This season it is more of a structured, balanced attack from the star-studded Caps.
Superstar Alex Ovechkin leads the way for this team in points with his 62 on the season. This is from his 31 goals and 31 assists. Washington is averaging 3.25 goals per game this season, and the great eight is a major factor in that statistic.
The goalie tandem of Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek has helped provide security for the Caps on the back end. This team is only allowing an average of 2.75 goals per game, and the recent play from these two netminders surely is a reason why this is the case.
Rangers Defense and Goaltending is Key
It is no surprise that the Rangers have been led by the starter between the pipes this season. They are averaging 2.50 goals against per game this season which is good for 3rd in the NHL. This surely is a recipe that can be successful in the playoffs.
Starting goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, has been playing elite-caliber hockey this season. He currently has a 24-5-3 record with a 2.01 GAA and a .939 save percentage. His play directly impacts the season the Rangers are having.
Artemi Panarin leads the team in points with 55 on the season. This is from the 14 goals and 41 assists he has tallied this season. He is the engine of this offensive attack for New York and a major reason they are into the top three in the Metropolitan Division.
Goals Will be Plentiful for this Matchup
These two teams pride themselves on playing team defense and having successful goaltending. However, the last time these two Metro Division rivals met, the total goals scored was a total of six. The over/under for this matchup is six total goals.
Both teams have the star power to produce goals at an alarming rate, and just like their last matchup, the goals will be plentiful for both teams. Goalies beware; the shooters are ready to go in this contest.
Take the over six total goals (+113) in this primetime matchup at Madison Square Garden.
