New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 12/9/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

The Washington Capitals (12-8-2) will try to beat the New York Rangers (18-5-1) at Capital One Arena on Saturday.

The New York Rangers will be looking to get a win in their next outing after their 6-2 defeat against the Senators in the last game they played. The Rangers offense left a lot to be desired in the loss. For the outing, they converted 2 of the 35 shots they put on net. In addition, they had 4 chances with the advantage and were able to notch 1 goal. New York garnered 11 penalty minutes for this game.

New York Rangers opponents have totaled 79 power play opportunities (19th in the NHL) and have tallied 12 goals in those attempts. The Rangers have seen 722 shots taken against them and hold a save percentage of .910. New York has attempted 725 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 11.2%. While playing at even strength, the Rangers have conceded 53 goals while getting 59 themselves. New York has accounted for 74 power play opportunities and they have notched 22 goals during those advantages, giving them a percentage of 29.73%. For the season, they have racked up 37 points and their points percentage comes in at .771. When discussing their scoring capabilities, the New York Rangers have accounted for 81 goals (10th in the league) for the season and have given up 65.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin has participated in 173 contests over the course of his pro hockey career. He has earned an overall record of 109-47-15 and he started in 168 games. Opponents have notched 402 goals against Shesterkin in his career and his average for goals against per game is 2.41. Shesterkin has had 5,201 shots against him and has recorded 4,799 saves. His save percentage sits at .923 during his 10,024 minutes on the ice. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Shesterkin has recorded 112 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .667.

In their last game, Washington faced off against the Coyotes in a game where the Capitals went home in defeat by a final of 6-0. They had 4 attempts on the power play in this matchup but didn't put one in the back of the net. The Capitals had 0 goals out of the 26 shots on goal they were seeking.

Washington has put up 614 shots (32nd in professional hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 8.14%, while allowing their opponents 677 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 78.87% on their opponents 71 power play tries, and their save percentage sits at 90.4%. They have recorded 64 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 7.81%. The Capitals are sitting with 45 goals at even strength and 5 goals (32nd in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 65 goals to be scored by of a combination of 50 goals at even strength and 15 goals while they were shorthanded. This season, the Washington Capitals have accumulated 50 goals, 26 points, and a points percentage of .591.

For the opposition you are expected to see Darcy Kuemper defending the net. He has racked up 9,620 stops out of 10,512 shots attempted against him, which gives him a percentage of .915. Kuemper holds a career record of 170-127-45 and has participated in 369 games. He got the starting nod in 351 contests and has racked up 20,827 minutes. Kuemper's quality start percentage is 54.7% and he has qualified for 192 quality starting assignments in his career. Opponents are averaging 2.57 goals per contest and he has allowed 892 goals overall.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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