On the whole, the 2021 campaign proves the Rangers are a team of the future. Most observers see New York as a regular playoff team beginning next season. Ranger management is executing a masterful rebuild that will last for years to come. In fact, New York is exceeding expectations. Meanwhile, Washington is in the thick of the race for first place in the East Division. However, they lost both games at home to the Penguins last week. Now Pittsburgh leads the Caps by two points. Washington's defense remains a perpetual NHL betting concern.
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers
When: Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
TV: NBCSN
NHL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Capitals at Rangers Wagering Analysis
For Wednesday night, we have a Capitals team that can't quite find consistency. Sharps do like Washington as a quality road team for this matchup. But those same Wise Guys are impressed with the Rangers' rapid rise. Naturally, squares will prefer New York as the home team in good form.
Caps Look for Rebound Week
The Capitals split their previous six games. Three of their last five matchups stayed under the Betting on NHL total. Washington is 32-14-5 with a road record of 17-7-2. And then the Capitals are 30-20 over the total. Washington ranks 2nd for goal scoring and power play efficiency. Of major concern is a mark of 20th for goals allowed. Washington ranks 7th for penalty killing. The Caps trail Pittsburgh by two points for the East Division lead with one game in hand.
First among Capitals scorers is center Nicklas Backstrom with 14 goals and 37 assists. Left wing Alex Ovechkin brins 24 goals and 18 assists but a minus-7. Defenseman John Carlson totals ten goals, 32 assists, and a minus-6. Top goaltender Vitek Vanecek has a .908 save percentage with a 2.75 goals against average and two shutouts. Backup Ilya Samsonov compiles a .902 save percentage with a 2.69 goals against average.
Improved Rangers Running out of Time
New York is 26-20-6 and 14-9-3 at Madison Square Garden. Five of the Rangers' previous six games stayed under the pro hockey betting total. New York is eight points out of the final playoff spot in the East Division. The Rangers are 20-30 under the number. New York ranks 7th for goal scoring and 12th for power play efficiency. The Rangers rank 9th for goals against and 9th for penalty killing.
Number one goaltender Igor Shesterkin brings a .920 save percentage, 2.44 goals against average, and two shutouts. Left wing Artemi Panarin leads with 17 goals, 39 assists, and a plus-14. Defenseman Adam Fox impresses with five goals, 42 assists, and a plus-20. Forwards Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich, and Chris Kreider each total 20 goals on the season.
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers Betting Trends
Washington has seven wins in their last nine away games. Five of their last six road tilts went over the hockey betting total. New York saw the cashier's cage in nine of their last 12 home games. Four of the Rangers previous five home matchups stayed under the number.
In this series, the Rangers paid in six of their last eight games against the Capitals. Four of the previous six games between these teams stayed under the total. At Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are 4-0 vs. the Caps. Three of the last five between these teams at New York went under the number.
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers Free Pick
As was previously noted, the Rangers own the NHL gambling advantage over the Capitals. Washington's lackluster defensive commitment makes them a problematic alternative.
Capitals at Rangers Best Bet: New York Rangers
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