| MATCHUP | New York Rangers | Washington Capitals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 19-17-5 | 20-14-5 |
| Spread | +1.5 -192 | -1.5 160 |
| Moneyline | +130 | -155 |
| Total | Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (100) |
| Where | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | |
| When | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | |
| Time | 12:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers lost to the Islanders and Hurricanes, and they play the Panthers next. The Rangers have lost 3 of their last 4 games.
The New York Rangers are averaging 2.54 goals per game and are scoring 19 percent of their power play opportunities. Artemi Panarin leads New York with 14 goals, Adam Fox has 23 assists, and Mika Zibanejad has 108 shots on goal. Defensively, the New York Rangers are allowing 2.68 goals per game and are killing 80.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Igor Shesterkin has allowed 81 goals on 898 shots faced, while Jonathan Quick has given up 16 goals on 252 shots.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals beat the Devils, lost to the Panthers, and they play the Senators next. The Capitals have lost 7 of their last 9 games.
The Washington Capitals are averaging 3.18 goals per game and are scoring 15.2 percent of their power play opportunities. Tom Wilson leads Washington with 19 goals, Dylan Strome has 23 assists, and Jakob Chychrun has 135 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 2.74 goals per game and are killing 76.6 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Logan Thompson has given up 64 goals on 754 shots faced, and Charlie Lindgren has allowed 36 goals on 320 shots.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The Capitals have won nine of their last 10 games at Capital One Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Rangers have lost four of their last five games after coming off overtime.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in five of their last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five day games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Rangers have lost the second period in six of their last seven day games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Why the New York Rangers will win
- The Capitals have lost four of their last six games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Rangers have won each of their last four games against the Capitals after coming off overtime.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in each of their last nine games as underdogs.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five day games at Capital One Arena.
- The underdogs have won the first period in four of the Capitals’ last five games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the last four games between the Rangers and Capitals at Capital One Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Rangers’ last five day games at Capital One Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 14 of the Capitals’ last 15 home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last four day games at Capital One Arena.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in each of the Capitals’ last four games as home favorites.
- Tom Wilson has recorded an assist in each of his last seven appearances with the Capitals as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Nic Dowd has recorded eight hits against the Rangers this season – most against any opponent.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Adam Fox has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances.
- J.T. Miller has scored a goal in three of his last four road appearances against the Capitals.
- Jonny Brodzinski has recorded two assists against the Capitals this season – most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals rank 8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.74).
- The Washington Capitals held the NHL’s equal-worst record in games that have gone to shootout this season (0-4).
- The New York Rangers have recorded the longest home losing streak (7 games) in the NHL this season.
- The New York Rangers have recorded the equal-longest road winning streak (6 games) in the NHL this season.
New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Prediction
Early start times usually favor the home team, but the Capitals are in rough shape right now and are getting dragged defensively. The Rangers have been road warriors all season, where they have 14 wins. The Rangers just beat the Caps a week ago, where they scored 7 goals. This could be a look ahead spot for the Rangers with the Winter Classic on deck, but they’ve been so solid on the road this season where it probably doesn’t even matter. The Caps are in awful form. I’ll side with the Rangers on the road.