Published Dec 22, 4:08am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 22, 4:08am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 22, 4:08am ET
Playoff rivals collide in the Metropolitan Division of the NHL on Dec 23, as the Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers. Find our picks for the clash here.
The Caps have suffered defeats in each of their last two, but they remain second in the Division standings. A return to winning ways will see them close the gap on the Carolina Hurricanes at the top.
It has been a mixed season for the Rangers to this point, but a win on Tuesday could see them end the night as high as third in the standings.
The Washington Capitals remain in a promising position for a playoff finish this season, despite going 4-3-3 over their last ten, and suffering defeats in each of their previous two.
Fortunately, all teams in the top six of the Division come into this round following a defeat.
The Caps suffered a successive defeat over the weekend after being beaten 3-2 by the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. Ethen Frank was their standout player in the loss after netting twice.
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The New York Rangers will need to reverse their fortunes if they are to stand an enhanced chance of finishing in a playoff position this term.
They have gone 18-16-4 this season, and their inconsistency has been reflected across their last ten after winning on just four occasions.
The Rangers were beaten on the road in their latest outing, suffering a 2-1 loss against the Nashville Predators. Despite that loss, the Rangers have impressed on the road this season, going 13-5-1 compared to 4-10-3 at Madison Square Garden.
| TOTAL | Rangers | Capitals | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 298 | 136 | 145 | - |
| GOALS | 1858 | 913 | 945 |
The inconsistent nature of the Rangers makes them hard to support this week. Meanwhile, the Caps have recorded wins in each of the last four head-to-head meetings between the teams. Therefore, we will be siding with a home win in the NHL on Tuesday.
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Pick
Washington Capitals
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