Rangers vs Capitals Prediction 3/5/25 NHL Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Rangers vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, March 5th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

New York Rangers Betting Preview

The New York Rangers are 31-26-4 this year after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 4-0 in their last game. New York scored two goals in the first period and two in the third in the shutout win. The Rangers outshot New York by a total of 27-21, won 52% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Cuylle, Miller, Panarin, and Borgen, while Shesterkin stopped all 21 shots in the shutout win. 

Prior to that game, the Rangers defeated the Predators by a score of 4-0 but did lose to the Maple Leafs by a score of 3-2 before that. New York has won four of their last five games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 66 points. New York has scored 3.05 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 20.4% on the power play and 82.7% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 25 goals, 38 assists, and 183 shots on goal, while Mika Zibanejad has added 13 goals, 31 assists, and 136 shots on goal. Igor Shesterkin is 21-21-2 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage this year. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 39-14-8 this season after they defeated Ottawa in a shootout by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Washington led 3-0 in the second and 4-3 in the third, but they couldn’t hold the lead, before winning in the shootout. The Capitals outshot Ottawa by a total of 41-37, won 42.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Dubois, McMichael, Wilson, and Fehervary, while Thompson stopped 33 out of 37 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Capitals lost to the Lightning by a score of 3-1 and the Blues by a score of 5-2. Washington has lost three of their last four games and they are currently first in the Metro standings with 86 points. Washington has scored 3.59 goals per game and they have allowed 2.59 goals against per game, while also going 23.7% on the power play and 81.6% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 18 goals, 42 assists, and 111 shots on goal, while Pierre-Luc Dubois added 15 goals, 37 assists, and 104 shots on goal. Charlie Lindgren is 13-10-3 with a 2.70 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage this year. 

Why the Rangers will beat the Capitals

• The Capitals have lost each of their last seven games at Madison Square Garden after coming off overtime.
• The Rangers have won seven of their last eight home games against the Capitals.
• The Rangers have covered the puck line in 23 of their last 25 games as underdogs following a home win.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites following a home win.
• The Rangers have won the third period in each of their last four home games when leading after the second period.

Total Goals Facts

• Twelve of the Rangers’ last 13 home games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the Capitals’ last four road games after coming off a shootout has gone OVER the total goals line.
• Six of the last seven games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven games as favorites.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.

New York Rangers Player Prop Facts

• Adam Fox has recorded at least one point in each of his last seven appearances.
• J.T. Miller has scored at least one goal in four of the Rangers’ last five games.
• Vincent Trocheck has recorded at least one assist in each of the Rangers’ last five home games against the Capitals.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Aliaksei Protas has recorded a point in each of the Capitals’ last seven road games.
• Aliaksei Protas has scored at least one goal in five of the Capitals’ last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• John Carlson has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Capitals’ last eight games as road favorites against the Rangers.

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Rangers vs Capitals Prediction 

Washington comes into this matchup at the top of the Metro standings, but they have had some recent struggles and will be on the road for this game. The Capitals are 20-7-2 on the road this year, while the Rangers are 16-13-2 at home. Washington has lost three of their last four games and very easily could have blown their last game against Ottawa. New York has won four of their last five games and they finally have some much-needed momentum. The Rangers haven’t allowed a goal in their last two games and they have scored at least four goals in four of their last five. Washington is the way better team in the standings, but New York is playing like the better team right now and they are at home. Take the Rangers here.