New York At Washington NHL Expert Picks

The end of the NHL season is almost upon us, and there are very few things left to be decided other than playoff seedings. There is still the business of deciding who is going to land in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, which is a race that looks as though it is going to go down to the wire, while at the top of the heap, we are all now just waiting on the Washington Capitals to clinch the President’s Trophy for the second straight season. They will have the opportunity to clinch that title on Wednesday night when the New York Rangers pay a visit to the Verizon Center. The Rangers were a team that started the season on fire, and while they have cooled off somewhat, they are a team that cannot be ignored heading into the postseason. They just have the bad luck of playing in a division where having 100 points on the season is only good enough for 4th spot. It’s easy to see why so many people believe that this year’s Stanley Cup Champion will come from the Metropolitan Division. Find the latest NHL betting odds here.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Rangers At Capitals NHL Expert Picks

When: Wednesday, April 5 at 8 PM EST Where: Verizon Center, Washington TV: NBCSN Radio: WOR 710 and FNR Live Stream: NHL.TV NHL Odds: Washington Capitals -165    

Why bet on the New York Rangers

As mentioned in the opening of this piece, the New York Rangers (47-26-6) have cracked the 100-point barrier, yet find themselves sitting in one of the Wild Card slots. They are looking at a ridiculously tough opening round playoff match-up, which just goes to show the strength of the Eastern Conference, and specifically the Metropolitan Division, this season. Don’t expect the Rangers to roll over and die versus the Capitals on Wednesday night, though, as they have already beaten them in 2 of their 3 meetings this season. This is a team that seems to play better on the road, putting together a 27-10-2 record away from home.

Why bet on the Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals (52-18-8) could probably lose the rest of their games this season and still walk away with the best record in the NHL. It is not their regular season dominance that is the question people are asking right now, but rather how they will perform in the playoffs. This is a team that has made a habit of tanking in the postseason, and they are going to have another incredibly tough path to the Stanley Cup Final this year, as the East is incredibly good. The good news is that they will have secured home ice advantage throughout the postseason, and since they are 31-6-2 in their own building, you have to like their chances with that edge.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

There is always the possibility that both of these teams might choose to rest some guys, as they booth look as though they are in the position they will end the season in. There is nothing to be gained by throwing everyone out there. I’ll take the Caps to win at home in a close one.

New York Rangers 2 Washington Capitals 3