Capitals vs Rangers Game 2 Odds, Prediction and Props to Bet

Apr 21, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) scores a goal in the second period against the Washington Capitals in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY SportsThe New York Rangers host the Washington Capitals in Game 2 on Tuesday eveningThe Tuesday NHL odds favor the Rangers to win at home, with player props also availableRead below for Rangers vs Capitals Game 2 prediction, odds and props to bet

The New York Rangers host the Washington Capitals in Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with the game televised nationally on ESPN.

The Rangers enter as sizable home favorites at -270 on the moneyline, with the Capitals at +220 underdogs. The over/under total is set at 5.5 goals, with the under juiced to -120. NHL Player props are also available, with many Rangers players sporting favorable odds to find twine.

What’s the best bet for Game 2 on Tuesday? Here’s our Capitals vs Rangers prediction, along with player props to bet.

Capitals vs Rangers Game 2 Odds

In the Game 2 Capitals vs Rangers odds, New York is a heavy -292 favorite at home, giving them 74.5% implied win probability.

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Odds as of April 23, 2024, at Caesars Sportsbook. Check out sports betting apps for real money this NHL postseason.

Rangers Dominate Game 1

In Sunday’s series opener, the Rangers struck quickly with three goals in a span of just 2:07 in the second period to seize control en route to a convincing 4-1 victory. Rookie sensation Matt Rempe got the party started, scoring the icebreaker to send the MSG crowd into a frenzy.

Artemi Panarin and Jimmy Vesey followed up with rapid-fire tallies to build a 3-0 lead the Blueshirts would not relinquish. Chris Kreider added an insurance marker in the third period.

While the final score was 4-1, the game felt even more lopsided than that. The Rangers outshot the Capitals 31-21 overall and dominated puck possession with a 57.5% Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5. New York generated nearly 60% of the expected goals, a sign of their territorial advantage.

Washington struggled mightily to generate any sustained offensive pressure or quality chances against Igor Shesterkin. They mustered only six shots on goal in the third period when trying to mount a comeback. The Caps’ power play, which ranked 23rd in the regular season at 20.6%, went 0-for-4 in the game.

Banged-Up Caps Struggling to Score

Defensively, the Capitals are dealing with a banged-up blue line. Rasmus Sandin, Nick Jensen and Vincent Iorio are all questionable for Game 2 with upper body injuries. Their potential absences would be a big blow, forcing Washington to rely on inexperienced options like Alexander Alexeyev, who led the team’s defensemen in 5-on-5 ice time in Game 1 with over 21 minutes.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery confirmed Nick Jensen and Rasmus Sandin will remain out tonight in Game 2 vs. Rangers. https://t.co/pucwfRDjHK

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 23, 2024

The Capitals’ anemic offense has been an issue for weeks now. They scored the fewest goals (2.12) and generated the fewest expected goals (2.38) per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 among all playoff teams in the regular season. Over their last 12 games, the Caps have scored more than two goals only once.

In net, the Capitals turn back to Charlie Lindgren after he made 27 saves on 31 shots in the opener. Lindgren posted solid numbers in the regular season with a .917 save percentage and 2.53 goals against average. However, he’ll need to be even better to give Washington a chance against the high-powered Rangers attack.

2024 NHL Playoff Bracket: Seedings, Round 1 Matchups & ScheduleRead More

Capitals vs Rangers Game 2 Prediction

The Capitals are reeling right now and I don’t see them having an answer for the Rangers’ relentless attack and speed game. Shesterkin is a brick wall in net who can erase any mistakes. Washington’s blueline injuries are a major concern against a deep New York forward group.

At home and playing with sky-high confidence, I like the Rangers to win convincingly again and cover the -1.5 puck line. Until the Caps prove they can generate consistent offense, I’m comfortable betting against them, especially on the road against elite competition.

The over 5.5 is tempting given the regular season history, but the under is the lean for me at plus-money. The Rangers can tighten up defensively when playing with a lead and Shesterkin seems dialed in. Washington’s pop-gun offense is unlikely to do its part to get over the total.

WAS vs NYR Game 2 Pick:

Rangers -1.5 (-105)

 

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