[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Friday. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Rangers control the series 2-0 after taking down the Capitals 4-3 Tuesday to cash as -281 home favorites. Four different NY players found the back of the net, while LW Alexis Lafreniere and D Erik Gustafsson each had 2 assists. The team has scored 4 goals in each of the 1st 2 games of the series.
Washington failed to cash as a +245 road underdog Tuesday. After allowing 2 goals in each of the 1st 2 periods, Washington’s comeback fell short. Three different Capitals players scored, while RW Tom Wilson had a goal and an assist. The series moves back to Washington Friday where the Capitals were 22-12-7 during the regular season.
Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!
Rangers at Capitals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:44 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Capitals +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+150) | Capitals +1.5 (-185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Rangers at Capitals projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (36-17-2, 2.58 GAA, .913 SV%, 4 SO) vs. Charlie Lindgren (25-16-7, 2.67 GAA, .911 SV%, 6 SO)
Shesterkin has one of the best records in the NHL and is top 10 in shutouts as well. He has allowed just 4 goals total through the 1st 2 games against the Capitals and is a large reason for the team’s success this season. His 55 games started this season is the 2nd-most in his career.
Lindgren is tied for 13th-best in the NHL for his record and SV%, and he ranks 16th in GAA. His 6 shutouts are tied for the best in the league. He has not had a hot start to the series, allowing 4 goals in each of the 1st 2 games. He has allowed 3 of fewer goals in 7 of his last 9 starts.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Rangers at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Capitals 4, Rangers 3
Moneyline
BET CAPITALS (+145).
While the Capitals are down 2-0 in the series, they started to get a better read on New York in Game 2. They scored in each period, and after allowing 2 goals in each of the 1st 2 periods, they held them scoreless in the 3rd.
Returning to their home ice Friday, the Capitals are nearing a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, and with their fans behind them, they will do just that.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
The moneyline presents better value on Washington.
Over/Under
BET OVER 5.5 (-115).
The Rangers have scored 4 goals in each of their last 3 games and 3 or more in 7 of their last 9. They have allowed 3 or more goals in 6 of their last 10 games.
Washington started to find its groove on offense Tuesday and will speed up the pace Friday at home. It will not win by keeping the Rangers off the board, but by outscoring their high-powered offense.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]