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Rangers vs. Capitals: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Rangers vs. Capitals: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

RANGERS VS. CAPITALS: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 — While the Yankees try to stay alive and the Jets sputter toward irrelevance, the Rangers attempt to keep up their smothering defensive play. New York has rolled through most of its opponents so far, and it has done so with its defense.

The Rangers have allowed two goals or less in six of their eight games, and not coincidentally, they put all six in the win column. Such is life when you can count on Igor Shesterkin night after night to get the job done for your side. The Rangers know they have one of the world’s best goalies, and they play off him appropriately.

Related: Why the Jets Never Got Off the Ground

They face an inconsistent Capitals squad that has both turned a few heads and caused a few people to scratch their heads. Washington was long a team that won with offense, but as Alex Ovechkin aged and other pieces moved on, the scoring started to wither away. Most nights, however, Washington has been able to win with defense.

But the Capitals tried that last year in the playoffs against the Rangers, and they were promptly wiped out in a four-game sweep. New York has won five straight over Washington, and the exception came when the teams played a back-to-back and the Caps won at home. The schedule isn’t there to help them this time.

The Odds

Matchup

Open

Spread

Total

Moneyline

New York Rangers 

(6-1-1 SU, 5-3 ATS)  

-1.5

-1.5

 O6 

 -155

Washington Capitals 

(5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS)

U6

+1.5

 U6

 +130

Puck Drop

When: Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington

Public Bets: 82% on New York

Public Money: 82% on New York

Rangers vs. Capitals In-Season Trends

The Rangers have a set formula that works well. They get a lead on you and squeeze the life out of you, knowing they have Shesterkin back there to close off threats. It relies on New York taking the lead in the first period. So far, the Rangers have done that well. In eight of their past 10 games going back to last season, the Rangers scored at least twice in the opening 20 minutes.

Prior to their loss last time out to Tampa Bay, the Capitals hadn’t been held under three goals this season. They lit the lamp six times against the Flyers in Logan Thompson’s last start, but New York represents a different beast entirely.

Players to Watch

Artemi Panarin has cooled a little since his incredible start to the season, but he’s still scored in four straight games. He’s had an assist in each of the Rangers’ past three games, and stopping him has proven impossible in this young season.

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Washington has to get a sharp showing out of Thompson. Charlie Lundgren is normally the main goalie for the Capitals, and to make matters worse, Thompson’s facing Shesterkin. He’s got to show he’s equal to the task.

The Prediction

The Rangers have a big edge in the goaltending area, and the Capitals just haven’t shown that they’re up to par yet. New York might have faced an easy schedule to date, but the Rangers were in the Eastern finals last year and are still one of the best teams in the NHL. Washington has some work to do to bring itself to that level. Throw in Shesterkin, and this isn’t the time to take a chance.

Dan’s Picks 

 Rangers ML  

 Under 6  

 

Author

  • Dan is originally from Virginia and has covered basketball games across the country over the past 18 years. He now resides in Indianapolis and loves a good defensive showcase. His Twitter @danangell11.

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