The Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers to kick off the NHL’s New Year’s Eve slate.
Washington has dominated this matchup over the past two years, and my Rangers vs. Capitals predictions expect this trend to continue.
Read on for my NHL picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Rangers vs Capitals prediction
Rangers vs Capitals best bet: Capitals moneyline (-160)
The Washington Capitals have won four of the past five meetings between these two teams, and given the New York Rangers’ poor underlying metrics, that dominance is likely to continue on New Year’s Eve.
This season, New York ranks 28th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), 23rd in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), and 28th in expected goal share.
Meanwhile, Washington outranks the Rangers in each of those three key categories. Not only do the Capitals hold both offensive and defensive advantages, but they are also the superior team in net, as goaltender Logan Thompson is projected to start Wednesday.
Currently the Vezina Trophy front-runner, Thompson carries a 15-10-3 record with a .915 SV% and a 2.33 GAA into this matchup. Across the ice, Igor Shesterkin is expected to start for the Rangers.
Although Shesterkin is also one of the league’s top goaltenders, he trails Thompson in both SV% and GAA. Add in home-ice advantage, and there is little reason not to like Washington in this spot.
Rangers vs Capitals same-game parlay
If Washington is to win this game, it will need goal production. There may not be two better candidates than Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.
Wilson leads the team in goals this season and is coming off a strong two-goal performance against the Florida Panthers, while Ovechkin has scored four goals over his past five games against New York.
Rangers vs Capitals SGP
- Capitals moneyline
- Alex Ovechkin anytime goal
- Tom Wilson anytime goal
Rangers vs Capitals odds
- Moneyline: New York +130 | Washington -155
- Puck line: New York +1.5 (-185) | Washington -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Rangers vs Capitals trend
Washington has won four of the past five meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Capitals.
How to watch Rangers vs Capitals
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| Puck drop | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, MNMT |
Rangers vs Capitals latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
