Venue: Madison Square Garden.
The New York Rangers couldn’t withstand East Division competition after all and lost their chances of making the playoffs. So, in the upcoming matchup with Washington, David Quinn’s team can calmly tackle their challenges, already working for the future. The Capitals, on the other hand, although they have secured the postseason, can still fight for seeding. Who will be stronger at Madison Square Garden?
The Rangers have it all ahead of them
Despite failing to make the playoffs, the Rangers can’t call the season a failure. The team made a lot of progress during the championship, played some memorable games and began to lose their chances in the postseason only after the trade deadline when their rivals were well strengthened. The Rangers, without a doubt, have a future. As early as next season, especially if the championship format is possible, the team from Madison Square Garden could well do much better.
The game against Washington will be the second in a row for New York. The first game was a 6-3 victory for the Capitals. In total, the Rangers have already suffered three defeats in a row. Before the game with the Capitals, the Rangers had twice lost to the Islanders, 0-4 and 0-3.
Washington’s situation is bad
Russians Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov did not participate in the previous game. The hockey players were suspended by head coach Peter Laviolette. The reason was simple, for being late for the team meeting. Not much of a story, given the imminent start of the playoffs.
However, even without Kuznetsov, by the way, generally playing 3 full lines + Hagelin and Hathaway as backup forwards, the Capitals secured a solid win. Washington lead the Eastern Division with the same number of points as Pittsburgh but also has a game in hand.
Expert Betting Tips
The Rangers’ season-long lead over Washington does look surprising. After all, the level of the teams is somewhat different. On the contrary, it wouldn’t be surprising if Washington won the upcoming game, tying the series. Especially since the Capitals won very confidently the day before yesterday. The prediction is a win for Washington.
Betting options:
- Washington to win with odds of about 1.90;
- Washington to win and Total Over 5.5 for about 3.50;
- Washington’s Individual Total Over 3 for 2.00.