The New York Rangers travel to the nation's capital to visit the Washington Capitals on Friday, Oct. 9, in a Metropolitan Division matchup.
New York (4-1-0) enters this matchup as underdogs versus Washington (2-1-0), but my Rangers vs. Capitals predictions and NHL picks suggest that the Blueshirts' hot start may produce an upset win at Capital One Arena.
Rangers vs Capitals prediction: Rangers moneyline
After getting shut out in their season opener against the Bruins, the New York Rangers have rattled off four consecutive wins, covering the spread in each and winning twice as underdogs.
They've managed 16 goals during their win streak and took two of their three meetings against the Washington Capitals last season. These teams have evenly split their last six meetings in Washington and their last 10 overall.
For what has historically been a pick 'em over the last several seasons, I'll gladly take the 44% underdog on a four-game heater.
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Rangers vs Capitals combo
Gabe Perreault ended the 2025-26 season as one of the Rangers' hottest scorers, recording 20 points in his last 25 games. He's picked up right where he left off, scoring points in four of five games this season and six of his last seven overall.
He's hit the scoresheet in 60% of games since March — a much higher rate than his 40% price tonight.
His linemate, Alexis Lafreniere, is fresh off a hat-trick and four-point performance. The 2020 No. 1 pick has recorded 29 points in his last 28 games, yet is priced at just 50% to hit the scoresheet against Washington.
On the topic of young breakout candidates, look no further than Ryan Leonard. He's recorded two or more shots in 13 consecutive games, and in 16 of his last 17. Only Alex Ovechkin has hit that mark at a higher rate than Leonard among Caps players since January 1.
Rangers vs Capitals combo
- Gabe Perreault 1+ points
- Alexis Lafreniere 1+ points
- Ryan Leonard 2+ shots on goal
TOP PICK
Rangers vs Capitals player prop: Gabe Perreault 1+ points
Perreault has produced like a Top 6 NHL forward over his last 25 games and is quickly establishing himself as one.
He's picked up 24 points in 28 games since March 1, is skating on the team's top line alongside Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad, and only Zibanejad and Adam Fox have hit the scoresheet in more games among Rangers than the 21-year-old over that span.
He's riding a four-game point streak, and his line has yet to allow a goal at even-strength.
COVERS INTEL: The Lafreniere-Zibanejad-Perreault line has played over 57 minutes together, racking up a 53.86 xGF% and controlling 54.07% of shot shares at 5-on-5. They've yet to allow an even-strength goal.Rangers vs Capitals goal scorer: Gabe Perrault
Of course I'm riding the hot hand.
Perreault is priced at just 22% to score tonight, despite racking up seven goals in his last 11 games. He's found twine in four of his last seven, and twice this season.
You have to go as far back as January 1 for Perreault's price to exceed his scoring rate — when he'd played less than 10 NHL games and was jammed in the Bottom 6.
- Top picks: 3-2, +0.96 units
- Combos: 0-3, -3.0 units
Rangers vs Capitals odds
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- Moneyline: Rangers 43% | Capitals 58%
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (53%) | Under 5.5 (48%)
- Spread: Rangers +1.5 (67%) | Capitals -1.5 (34%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Rangers vs Capitals trend
The Under is 5-0 in the Rangers' last five road games. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Rangers vs Capitals
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | NHLN |
Rangers vs Capitals latest injuries
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