The top-seeded Washington Capitals needed overtime to knock off the New York Rangers in Game 1 and will try to grab a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinals when the clubs meet tonight at the Verizon Center in D.C. The Rangers have won three of their last five over the Capitals. NHL oddsmakers have the Capitals as -165 moneyline home favourites over the Rangers (+145) with the over/under set at 5 goals. Be sure to check the Rangers vs Capitals NHL Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
New York’s Matt Gilroy scored a goal in the first playoff game of his career, giving New York a 1-0 edge at 1:36 of the third period. Goalie Lundqvist stopped 31 shots in the loss. "It was a pretty tight game and we battled all night," said Lundqvist. "They played tight too and it was hard to get any good chances out there. It was a tough game to lose in overtime." The Rangers, who had a solid 24-16-1 record on the road this year, will try to avoid falling in an 0-2 series' hole tonight before the series shifts to the Big Apple for Games 3 and 4. it will be hard for Washington to take New York lightly considering the way the season series went in 2010-11. After losing their first game against the Caps back in November, the Rangers won the final three meetings and outscored Washington by a combined 15-1 margin in those tests.
Washington’s Alexander Semin's overtime goal gave the Capitals a 2-1 win over the eighth- seeded Rangers in the opener on Wednesday. Semin ended a 14-game playoff goal- scoring drought with the tally at 18:24 of overtime. With time winding down in the first extra session, Semin's one-timer sailed past Henrik Lundqvist. Semin also assisted on Alex Ovechkin's game-tying goal with 6:16 to play in regulation, while Michal Neuvirth stopped 24 shots for the Capitals, who are the top-seeded team in the East for the second straight season. "For our team, to take this first game is huge, you always want to start out on top," said Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Washington.
Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Capitals are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Capitals are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Capitals are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a favorite.
Capitals are 13-3 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Rangers vs Capitals
When: Friday, April 15, 7:30 PM ET
Pick: Capitals -165
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NHL Point Spreads before Rangers vs Capitals game.
The Bottom Line: I can see the Rangers rebounding tonight, they must get in the face of goalie Neuvirth. Be sure to check Rangers vs Capitals Hockey Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
