The New York Rangers (4-1-0) and Washington Capitals (2-1-0) meet Friday in Washington, D.C. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Capitals odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Tied 2-2; teams split 2 games in Washington
The Rangers have bounced back nicely from their season-opening loss, winning 4 straight games, including a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders Tuesday night. New York cashed as a -162 home favorite while the Over (5.5) hit. LW Alexis Lafrenière recorded a hat trick, including 2 empty-net goals, and added an assist. RW Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, while C Mika Zibanejad chipped in 3 assists. The Rangers are
now 3-0 at Madison Square Garden, a nice turnaround after losing their first 7 home games last season.
The Capitals opened their home schedule with a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday night, cashing as -155 favorites while the Over (6.5) goals hit. RW Tom Wilson led the way with a goal and 2 assists, while LW Anthony Beauvillier, LW Pierre-Luc Dubois, RW Alex Tuch and RW Ryan Leonard also found the back of the net. Washington's penalty kill also delivered, shutting down all 3 Pittsburgh power-play opportunities.
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Rangers at Capitals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:32 a.m.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Capitals -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-210) | Capitals -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Rangers at Capitals projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (3-1-0, 1.75 GAA, .927 SV%) vs. Logan Thompson (2-0-0, 2.50 GAA, .921 SV%)
Shesterkin has been outstanding to start the season, winning his 3 October starts while allowing just 5 total goals. He has stopped 68 of 73 shots faced, posting a 1.67 GAA and .932 SV%. Shesterkin has also enjoyed success against Washington, going 10-5-1 with a 2.62 GAA and .915 SV% in 16 career regular-season and playoff appearances.
Thompson is unbeaten through his first 2 starts this season, stopping 58 of 63 shots while allowing 5 goals. He has had a tougher time against the Rangers throughout his career, going 3-2-0 in 5 appearances with a 3.83 GAA and .863 SV%.
Rangers at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 3, Capitals 2
Moneyline
BET RANGERS (+118).
The Rangers enter Friday riding a 4-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 16-5 during that stretch and showing plenty of balance on both ends of the ice. New York has scored 16 goals through 5 games while allowing just 8, with Shesterkin leading the way in net.
Shesterkin has been lights out in October and the Capitals have generated just 75 shots through 3 games, ranking near the bottom of the league. Shesterkin has also enjoyed success against Washington throughout his career. With New York playing its best hockey early and holding an advantage in net, the Rangers offer excellent value on the moneyline.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
No need to bet the puck line when we're getting New York at plus odds on the moneyline.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 5.5 (+100).
The Rangers have allowed just 5 goals during their 4-game winning streak and have yet to surrender a first-period goal during that stretch. This should be a great duel between 2 stellar goalies in Shesterkin and Thompson. This divisional matchup has the makings of a tight, low-scoring contest.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Rangers at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions
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