Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Prediction, 12/27/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers

Date: Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY

TV: MSG+

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (+185) Rangers (-230)

Madison Square Garden is where the New York Rangers (23-8-1) will play the Washington Capitals (17-9-5) on Wednesday. The moneyline on this game has Washington at +185 and New York is opening at -230. The over/under comes in at 7.

The Washington Capitals had a decent effort after finishing in a 1-1 tie against the Lightning in their previous outing. Washington tallied 4 penalty minutes in this contest. In addition, they had 1 power play opportunity but weren't able to net one. The Capitals could have played much better offensively in this game. In the game, they tallied a score on 1 out of the 34 shots they put on goal.

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When playing at even strength, the Capitals have allowed the opponent to score 66 goals while scoring 63 as an offensive unit. Washington Capitals opponents have tallied 98 power play tries (27th in pro hockey) and have racked up 17 goals in those chances. Pertaining to their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have earned 74 goals (31st in the National Hockey League) for the year and have allowed 83. Washington has taken 872 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 8.5%. For the year, they have accumulated 39 points and their points percentage sits at .629. The Capitals thus far have had 952 shots tried against them and have earned a save percentage of .913. Washington has tallied 89 power play opportunities and they have tallied 11 goals out of those tries, garnering them a rate of 12.36%.

The man in goal for this game is Darcy Kuemper. Over the course of his time in hockey, Kuemper has earned 195 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .551. His save percentage currently is at .915 in his 21,014 minutes between the pipes. Kuemper has had 10,607 shot attempts taken against him and has gathered 9,710 saves. Opponents have scored 897 goals versus Kuemper in his NHL career and his goals against average is 2.56. He has amassed an overall record of 173-127-45 and he has gotten the start in 354 games. Kuemper has played in 372 games throughout his pro hockey career.

Their last time out, New York went up against the Sabres in a game where the Rangers earned a win by a mark of 4-3. They had 4 power play attempts in this one and netted 1 out of those tries. The Rangers notched 4 goals out of the 33 shots on goal they took.

The Rangers have accumulated 75 goals at even strength and 32 goals (2nd in the NHL) while on the power play. New York has tried 989 shots (22nd in pro hockey) and has a shot percentage of 10.82%, while allowing the other team 951 shots. Over the course of the season, the New York Rangers have tallied 107 goals, 47 points, as well as a points percentage of .734. They have permitted 88 goals to be scored by of a combination of 74 goals at even strength and 14 goals while they were shorthanded. They have a total of 103 chances on the power play and they have earned a power play rate of 31.07%. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 85.71% on the other teams 98 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 90.7%.

On the other side of the ice you will find Igor Shesterkin in goal. Shesterkin is sitting with a career mark of 112-49-15 and has played in 178 games. Shesterkin's quality start percentage comes out to 65.9% and he has 114 quality starts in his pro hockey career. He has gathered 4,927 saves out of the 5,345 shots attempted, giving him a save percentage of .922. The opposition is averaging 2.43 goals/game and he has allowed 418 goals altogether. He has started in 173 contests and has played 10,327 mins.

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

Guy's Pick: Take New York (-230)

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