We have a potential first-round preview tonight at Madison Square Garden between the Washington Capitals, who have been at the top of the Eastern Conference all season, and the New York Rangers who have found their way back into the playoff picture.
The Rangers desperately need the two points, but it will be hard to slow down this Capitals offense.
Find out why my Capitals vs. Rangers prediction and free NHL picks favor the Over on Wednesday, March 5.
Capitals vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Over 5.5 (-132 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals have been two of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL as of late. Since the beginning of February, they’re both in the top ten in goals per game. The Washington Capitals have been scoring the third-most goals per contest over their past 10 games, averaging 4.10 while the Rangers are ninth in this category, scoring 3.45 goals a night.
Alexander Ovechkin gets all the attention, as he should, but he, along with Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Dylan Strome, have all been producing at over a point per game. All four guys have 11 points in the team's last 10 contests. Ovechkin had eight goals in that span, and Wilson had tallied seven of his own.
The Rangers have not been slacking in the offensive production department themselves, Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller continue to click. Zibanejad saw his point streak end the other night against the Islanders, but Miller has registered a point in every single game after the Four Nations break. Zibanejad has 15 points in his last 11 contests, while Miller has 14.
The goalie matchup looks like it will be Igor Shesterkin against Charlie Lindgren. Shesterkin is coming off of 21 save shutout, but he wasn’t tested all that much against the Islanders. Tonight will be a much tougher challenge for him. Shesterkin is 4-4-0 in his last eight starts, skating to a .888 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average. Lindgren signed an extension with the Capitals this week, so he’s got to be feeling pretty good, but his numbers over the last five games aren’t excellent either. He’s 3-2-1 with a .846 save percentage and a 3.36 goals-against average.
Both teams have been scoring a ton lately, this should be a thriller.
Capitals vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 5.5
Dylan Strome 1+ point
J.T. Miller 1+ point
Dylan Strome only has one point in his last three games, but he has been on absolute fire this season for the Washington Capitals. He’s had a career season with 60 points in 61 games this season and in the two games that these two teams have played against one another, Strome tallied five points. He’s certainly comfortable playing against the Rangers.
J.T. Miller extended his point streak to six games with a goal and an assist against the Islanders on Monday night. He’s now got seven goals and seven assists in 11 games played with the Rangers and looks beyond comfortable, he’s been driving their team offense.
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 (+190) | New York +1.5 (-240)
- Moneyline: Washington (-128) | New York (+106)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-134) | Under 5.5 (+110)
Capitals vs Rangers trend
The Over has hit in both meetings this season between the two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Rangers.
How to watch Capitals vs Rangers
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-5-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV, MAX, MSG |
Capitals vs Rangers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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