Published Dec 30, 3:39am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 30, 3:39am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 30, 3:39am ET
Two struggling teams in the Eastern Conference lock horns in the NHL on New Year’s Eve, as the Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers. Find our picks here.
The Caps have underperformed in recent weeks, winning just three of their last ten, and suffering five regulation defeats over the same period.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have gone 4-5-1 over their last ten, which includes losses in each of their previous two.
The Washington Capitals will be aiming to get their form back on track in the NHL when they host the Rangers on Wednesday.
Washington remain fourth in the Metropolitan Division, but they have suffered five regulation defeats in their last ten. Wins have been hard to achieve over that period, claiming maximum points on just three occasions.
They come into this clash following a defeat in their latest outing against the Florida Panthers. Defensively, the Caps were poor in that loss, conceding twice in the opening frame and three times in the final period.
ALSO SEE: FIFA World Cup Draw, Latest Odds, and Early Picks (2026)
A playoff push appears unlikely for the Rangers this season, as they sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division. Consistency has been an Achilles heel for the team throughout the campaign, going 19-17-5 in the NHL.
That lack of consistency has also been apparent in their last ten, winning just four times and suffering five losses in regulation.
New York come into this clash after suffering defeats in their last two games, which includes an overtime loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.
| TOTAL | Rangers | Capitals | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 298 | 136 | 145 | - |
| GOALS | 1863 | 916 | 947 |
This looks like a good opportunity for the Capitals to bounce back to form. They have been reliable in home games throughout the season, and they have won 55% of their clashes against the Rangers at the Capital One Arena.
|
Pick
Washington Capitals
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
