In this article we will formulate a Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, April 28th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
Washington Facing Elimination
The Washington Capitals finished the regular season by winning four of their last five games and sneaking into the playoffs, but they are down 3-0 and facing elimination in this game. Washington has scored one goal in two of the three games in the series so far and they really have not shown much fight. The Caps lost game three at home by a score of 3-1 on Friday night, after they led 1-0 early in the first period. Washington recorded 29 shots on goal and recorded 48 hits, but they went 0-6 on the power play and ran into a very hot goaltender. Washington has to find more offense, but I don’t think they are going to find much more success against Shesterkin.
Washington was able to secure the last wild card spot in the East after winning their last three games of the regular season against Tampa Bay, Boston, and Philadelphia, but they have not been able to maintain that momentum in this series. The Capitals are scoring 1.67 goals per game, while going 13.3% on the power play and 75% on the penalty kill in this series. Tom Wilson has led Washington with one goal, two assists, and six shots on goal. Martin Fehervary and John Carlson have also added two points for the Caps.
Rangers Go for the Sweep
The New York Rangers come into this game looking for the sweep, but will get Washington’s best shot as they try to stay alive. New York has won the first three games in this series by scores of 4-1, 4-3, and 3-1. New York was out shot by a total of 29-22 in game three, but Shesterkin played great in net and they were able to hang on for the two-goal win. New York won 58.8% of the face-offs in game three, recorded 38 hits, and blocked 21 shot attempts in the win. New York is one of the best teams in the NHL and they are just a way better team that Washington is right now.
New York has won five games in a row and 13 of their last 16 games, including quality wins against the Islanders, Red Wings, Devils, Avalanche, Panthers, and Bruins in the last few weeks of the regular season. The Rangers are scoring 3.67 goals per game, while going 25% on the power play and 86.7% on the penalty kill. Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck have led New York with five points in the first three games of this series.
Starting Goalies
The projected starting goalie for New York is Igor Shesterkin, who has allowed five goals on 75 shots against. Shesterkin is one of the best goalies in the NHL and he went 36-17-2 with a 2.58 goals against average and a .913 save percentage in the regular season. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Charlie Lindgren, who has allowed 11 goals on 81 shots on goal. Lindgren has had a very solid season for the Capitals and is a main reason they made the playoffs.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have won 15 of their last 20 games as home underdogs following a home loss.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last four home games against the Rangers following a home loss.
- The Capitals have lost the second period in each of their last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last eight home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
New York Rangers Team Facts
- The Rangers have won 10 of their last 11 games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Rangers have won the second period in each of their last four games as favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last six games following a road win.
Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers Prediction
New York comes into this game trying to end the series and get some much needed rest before the next round of the playoffs, but they will face a desperate Capitals team here. Washington did play better in game three, but their offense has been very low scoring this year and they are facing one of the best goalies in the world. I just don’t see how Washington scores more than three goals, which isn’t enough to beat this Rangers team. My Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers prediction is for the Rangers to win and cover the puck line.