The New York Rangers can take a commanding 2-0 series lead with a win over the visiting Washington Capitals tonight.
New York rolled Washington in Sunday’s Game 1 matchup, and the Rangers are once again a huge home favorite to top the Caps in Game 2.
I break down the odds and determine if we'll see more of the same this evening in my NHL picks and Capitals vs. Rangers predictions on Tuesday, April 23.
Capitals vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Rangers -1.5 (+105 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
The Washington Capitals have a banged-up blue line, with defensemen Rasmus Sandin (upper body), Nick Jensen (upper body), and Vincent Iorio ( upper body) all questionable for Game 2. If any of the three return to the lineup, I don't anticipate them being in 100% health, either. To reinforce how bad the situation is, inexperienced Alexander Alexeyev paced all Washington defensemen in 5-on-5 ice time (21:19) in Game 1.
It also puts the Capitals at a big-time disadvantage on the road because the New York Rangers have last change and a superior lineup top to bottom.
Washington entered the postseason with the fewest goals (2.12) and expected goals (2.38) per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 among playoff teams, and the Caps have only scored more than two goals once across their past 12 games.
The Rangers have some statistical shortcomings, but they’re also the President’s Trophy winner, dominated Game 1, and went 30-11 on home ice while scoring the eighth-most goals per game (3.39) and allowing the eighth-fewest (2.68).
Additionally, Blueshirts No. 1 Igor Shesterkin is peaking at the right time with a .930 save percentage and 2.15 GAA across 24 appearances dating back to the All-Star break.
Capitals vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Rangers -1.5
Alexis Lafreniere Over 0.5 points
Igor Shesterkin Over 23.5 saves
I’ve been impressed with Alexis Lafreniere's coming-of-age run. He’s up to 19 points across his past 18 games, and the 2020 first-overall pick has hit the scoresheet in 12 of those contests. With Washington's question marks on the blue line, I expect Lafreniere and linemates Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck to continue their strong play after clicking for a 58.2 CF% and 3.75 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 during the regular season.
The third leg of this same-game parlay correlates and aligns with the highlighted elite play from Shesterkin. Washington only registered 21 shots in Game 1, but with an 0-2 deficit looming, look for the Caps to prioritize pucks on net and a higher saves total for the Russian tendy.
Finally, there is a small edge in the +475 bet365 odds compared to the +460 DraftKings price, with the difference checking out as a positive expected value of 3%.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Capitals vs Rangers odds
Capitals vs Rangers live odds
Capitals vs Rangers opening odds
- Puck line: Washington +1.5 (-120) | New York -1.5 (+100)
- Moneyline: Washington +220 | New York -270
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+100) | Under 5.5 (-120)
Capitals vs Rangers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There hasn’t been a significant adjustment to this moneyline at Pinnacle, and bet365 has only moved the Rangers from an opening -270 to -280 as of Tuesday morning.
- With Washington struggling offensively, and Shesterkin in top form, it isn’t surprising to see a consensus 5.5 total with the Under carrying the higher vig.
- Additionally, I don’t anticipate a big move to the moneyline or total because both are mature markets and have been open for business since Monday morning.
Play at Pinnacle: Offering 25 + years of betting experience
Make your Stanley Cup Playoffs wagers at Pinnacle, which offers Canadians unbeatable value with the most competitive odds in the industry and high limits — come find out why Pinnacle is home to better odds and better payouts!
Capitals vs Rangers trend
Washington has scored two goals or fewer in 11 of their past 12 total games. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Rangers.
Capitals vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Tuesday, 4-23-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Capitals vs Rangers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
