Rangers vs Capitals Odds & Prediction – Best Bet for Sunday Afternoon Hockey

• The New York Rangers visit the Washington Capitals in a Metropolitan Division showdown
• Playoff-bound New York is a -130 road favorite
• See the Rangers vs Capitals odds ahead of puck drop on Sunday from Capital One Arena

The New York Rangers (44-21-11) know they’re going to have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. With six games left in their season, they are on a collision course with the New Jersey Devils when it comes to the playoff picture.

The only thing left to determine is who gets home ice.

In Washington, the Capitals (34-33-9) will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. They’ve been a middle-of-the-pack team in most categories, and it shows with time ticking away on the season.

Now they just get to play spoiler at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday when they host the Rangers

Rangers vs Capitals Odds

Overall it’s no surprise to see the Rangers open up here as favorites. They have been slumping a bit lately, however. New York has dropped two in a row, including one in overtime on Friday night against the Sabres. Washington has dropped three in a row, managing just one goal in each of their last two.

In terms of the Stanley Cup odds, New York is sixth at +1200, grouped with the other Metropolitan teams. The Hurricanes (+1000) and Devils (+1100) are just ahead of them. Things are tightly packed, and based on the current results it’s tough to see one team pulling ahead.

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Odds as of April 1st from DraftKings Sportsbook. See the DraftKings promo code ahead of puck drop!

Ovechkin Searching for Goals to Close Out 22/23

Alex Ovechkin continues to hum along at a ridiculous goal-scoring pace for a 37-year old.

If not for a handful of games missed when his father passed, it’s likely Ovie would be staring at a ninth 50 goal season. With six games left and 42 so far, it’s not impossible. Just not likely.

But with nothing really left to play for, the Capitals may as well focus on teeing up their captain in his world-renowned office.

HISTORY FOR ALEX OVECHKIN 👑

He passes Wayne Gretzky for the most 40-goal seasons in NHL history (13). pic.twitter.com/8OFw7GnR7h

— ESPN (@espn) March 22, 2023

Ovi had scored in four-straight games (five goals) before the losses to the Islanders and Lightning. After logging three or more shots in seven-straight games, he managed just three total in those two contests.

He’s currently sitting on 822 career goals, and needs three more seasons with at least 26 goals to hit 900.

Rangers Primed for Playoff Run

Entering Saturday, the Rangers’ offense has been flirting with the top ten in terms of goals for. With 252, they were five away from moving into seventh at the beginning of the weekend.

They had allowed the seventh-fewest goals-against, and had a top ten power play and top 13 penalty kill. So the next few games will be about ironing out the wrinkles.

There have been a few of those lately.

Gerard Gallant was asked about the possibility of the Rangers, Devils, and Islanders all making the playoffs:

"I don't really care about the other two, but as long as we're there…" 😂 pic.twitter.com/Pzi1vPgywi

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 27, 2023

On Thursday, the Devils scored two quick goals in the first. New York shut it down after that, but they could only manage one of their own when Chris Kreider scored his 33rd of the year. Igor Shesterkin stood on his head, making 29 saves. He’s a long shot in the Vezina Trophy odds though.

Then on Friday, the Rangers fell behind 2-0 again. They climbed back into it and forced overtime, but Jeff Skinner won it for Buffalo. They were stymied by rookie goalie Devon Levi, who turned aside 31 shots.

Patrick Kane has been producing since coming over at the trade deadline, scoring five times and adding four assists in 15 games. Vladimir Tarasenko has gone a bit chilly though. He had 13 points in his first 18 games with New York, but only has two in his last seven.

Rangers vs Capitals Pick

With both sides slumping and the Rangers feeling the playoff push, New York is the team to side with.

Washington continues to slip farther and farther back, and the Rangers are loaded. If you can find a place to bet Ovechkin to score, parlay that with a New York win. Otherwise, take the Rangers to come away with two points.

The Pick: New York Rangers (-130)