Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Prediction, 4/5/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY

TV: MSG Network

The Washington Capitals (38-29-9) are on their way to Madison Square Garden on Sunday where they will go up against the New York Rangers (31-36-9).

The Washington Capitals will need a bounce back game after taking a 7-3 loss against the Devils in their previous contest . Washington recorded 16 penalty mins in this matchup. In addition, they had 3 attempts on the power play and were able to score 1 goal. The Capitals had a middle of the road offensive performance in the defeat. In the game, they converted 3 out of the 32 shots they tried.

Washington Capitals opponents have tallied 237 power play opportunities (4th in the NHL) and have racked up 48 goals in those attempts. The Capitals have had 2,150 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .896. Washington has taken 2,150 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 11.1%. When at even strength, the Capitals let the opposition score 176 goals while scoring 198 of their own. Washington has tallied 228 power play chances and they have notched 41 goals out of those chances, garnering them a percentage of 17.98%. For the year, they have 85 points and their points percentage is .559. In regard to their scoring, the Washington Capitals have earned 239 goals (15th in the National Hockey League) on the year and have allowed 224.

The man in net for this game is Charlie Lindgren. Over the course of his career, Lindgren has accrued 82 quality starts and his quality starts percentage sits at .516. He has a save percentage of .903 for his 7,946 mins in the crease. Lindgren has had 4,727 shot attempts against him and has garnered 4,268 saves. Opponents have scored 459 goals against Lindgren in his NHL career and his goals against average per game is 2.89. He has earned an overall record of 82-60-18 and he has gotten the start in 159 games. Lindgren has taken the ice for 169 games throughout his professional hockey career.

Their last time out, New York faced off against the Canadiens in an outing where the Rangers went home in defeat by a final of 3-2. The Rangers netted 2 goals of the 24 shots on goal they attempted. They had 3 power play attempts in this one but didn't put one in the back of the net.

The Rangers have 167 goals at even strength and 47 goals (16th in professional hockey) while on the power play. New York has taken 1,923 shots (28th in pro hockey) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 11.13%, while allowing their opponents 2,216 shots. On the campaign, the New York Rangers have a total of 214 goals, 71 points, in addition to a points percentage of .467. They have granted a total of 235 goals to be scored by of a combination of 186 goals at even strength and 49 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have recorded 195 power play chances and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 24.10%. They have a penalty kill rate of 78.70% on their opponents 230 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.4%.

Across the ice you are going to see Igor Shesterkin defending the net. Teams are averaging 2.49 goals per game and he has surrendered 790 goals in total. Shesterkin's quality start percentage comes out to 62.8% and he has qualified for 199 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He was named a starter in 317 games and has racked up 14,641 mins. Shesterkin has a career record of 186-105-28 and has participated in 322 contests. He has compiled 8,679 stops out of the 9,469 shots taken against him, which gives him a save percentage of .917.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take New York

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