Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Betting Lines, Analysis and Picks (Wednesday, May 5, 2021)

On the whole, this season proves the Rangers are a team of the future.  Many observers believe that New York will be a regular playoff team beginning next season. Rangers’ fans are fortunate that its management is executing a masterful rebuild.  New York is ahead of schedule.  Washington is in the thick of the race for first place in the East Division.  However, they lost both games against the Penguins last week.  First place Pittsburgh leads the Caps by two points. Washington’s defense remains an NHL betting liability.  Former coach Barry Trotz’s departure ended backend commitment.

Washington Capitals at New York Rangers CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, we have a Capitals team coming off a disappointing week.  Two consecutive best sportsbook online losses to Pittsburgh burned some gamblers.  Will those same bettors be ready to return to the fold?  Wise Guys appreciate the price break the Caps are getting as the road team.  But those same sharps are impressed with the Rangers’ rapid rise.  Squares will prefer New York based on home ice.

Caps Drop to Second

Late on, 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 2^nd for goal scoring and power-play efficiency.  Of major concern is a mark of 20^th for goals allowed.  Washington ranks 7^th 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. To show Backstrom has 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.  While backup Ilya Samsonov compiles a .902 save percentage with a 2.69 goals-against average.

Rangers Need Wins and Help

Now, 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 total.  New York ranks 7^th for goal scoring and 12^th for power-play efficiency.  So too do the Rangers rank 9^th for goals against and 9^th for penalty killing.

Number one goaltender Igor Shesterkin brings a .920 save percentage, 2.44 goals-against average, and two shutouts.  And then 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 Against the Spread

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 got the money in nine of their last 12 home games.  Four of the Rangers previous five home matchups stayed under the number.

Head-to-head 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 CashBet Free Pick  

As mentioned earlier, the Rangers own the NHL gambling advantage over the Capitals. Washington’s inconsistency on the back end makes them a questionable choice.

Capitals at Rangers CashBet Best Bet: 

New York Rangers