Washington (39-14-8) at NY Rangers (31-26-4)
- When: Mar 5 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: TNT
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers: Betting Preview & Predictions
Moneyline Favorite: Washington (-125)
Total: 6.0
The Washington Capitals are cruising atop the Metropolitan Division, with Alex Ovechkin closing in on history. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are in a tight playoff race, making every game crucial as they aim to build momentum.
Can Washington maintain its dominance, or will New York’s recent defensive surge lead to an upset? Let’s break it down.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals (39-19-5) have been one of the NHL’s most consistent teams, even without Ovechkin carrying the offensive load. While the Russian sniper is still 10 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record, Washington has found balanced scoring elsewhere.
Recent Form: 6-4-3 in their last 13 games
Last Game: 5-4 shootout win vs. Ottawa (snapped a 3-game losing streak)
Ovechkin vs. Rangers: 3 goals in 2 matchups this season
Capitals Betting Trends:
6-2 in their last eight home games
7-3 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference teams
Over is 4-2 in their last six games
Though Ovechkin was held without a point for the 16th time this season, the Capitals are still 10-4-2 in those games, thanks to scoring depth from players like Connor McMichael, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Tom Wilson.
Washington already holds two wins over the Rangers this season, including a 5-3 victory in October and a 7-4 win in January.
If the Capitals’ offense clicks early, they could pull away late against a gritty Rangers squad.
New York Rangers
The Rangers (34-25-6) are fighting for a wild-card spot, and defense has been their calling card in recent games.
Recent Form: 4-1-0 in their last five games
Last Game: 4-0 shutout win vs. Islanders
Shutouts in Back-to-Back Games (Predators, Islanders)
Rangers Betting Trends:
4-2 in their last six home games
Under has hit in four of their last five games
1-5 in their last six vs. Washington
New York’s goaltending has stepped up in recent matchups, allowing just one goal in their last two games. J.T. Miller (7 goals in 11 games since being acquired from Vancouver) has added much-needed scoring depth, while Artemi Panarin remains the focal point of their attack.
The Rangers also made multiple trades ahead of the deadline, adding Reilly Smith and bolstering their depth. However, Chris Kreider remains out with an upper-body injury, leaving a big hole in their offense.
While New York is playing well defensively, they’ll need to keep pace with Washington’s high-powered offense—a tough task considering their injuries.
Final Prediction & Betting Outlook
Washington has dominated this matchup, and with Ovechkin eyeing another historic moment, the Capitals should have plenty of motivation to extend their winning streak against the Rangers.
Pick: Washington (-125)
Projected Score: Washington 4, New York 3
Total Bet: Over 6.0 (-110)
The Capitals’ firepower should push this game over the total, and Washington’s track record against the Rangers makes them the safer bet. Expect another strong performance from Ovechkin & Co. as they continue their push toward the postseason.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
