NHL: Rangers vs. Capitals Picks and Odds | December 31, 2025

We have a divisional matchup today to kick off the slate. The New York Rangers will head to DC to take on the Washington Capitals. These two teams just played a week ago and the Rangers won the game 7-3.

New York is 19-17-5 this season and fifth in the Metro Division. They come into this on a two-game losing streak after an overtime loss to the Hurricanes on Monday. The Rangers are 4-5-1 in their last ten games, 14-7-2 on the road and 5-5-1 in divisional games.

It's been a rough go for the Rangers offense this year. They have the weapons but rank in the bottom of the league for goals scored and shots on goal per game. Their shooting percentage is terrible, and their power play is middle of the league.

Their defense has it's struggles as well. The goaltending has been decent, so they rank seventh in the league for goals allowed per game. They're middle of the league for shots on goal allowed and penalty kill.

Goalie Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the start. He's 16-12-4 this season with a 2.51 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Shesterkin had a lot of offense to help last game, so he'll try and lock in a little more this game because he did allow three goals.

Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.

Washington will try to keep lead on New York in the standings

The Capitals are 20-14-5 this year and fourth in the Metro Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Panthers on Monday. Washington is 3-5-2 in their last ten games, 11-7-2 at home and 8-3-2 in divisional games.

Washington's offense has been pretty good this year. They're ranking ninth in goals scored and eleventh in shots on goal per game. Their power play sucks, which is surprising with Ovi hanging out on the left side.

Their defense isn't terrible, but struggle on the penalty kill like the power play. They rank eighth in goals allowed and thirteenth in shots on goal allowed per game. Not bad stats at all for a team right in the thick of things in a tight division.

In net, we're expected to see Logan Thompson. He is 15-10-3 this season with a 2.33 GAA and a .915 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Rangers vs. Capitals picks.

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals Betting Odds and Game Information

Rangers vs. Capitals Betting Odds – December 31

Puck Line

• New York Rangers +1.5 (-190)
• Washington Capitals -1.5 (+160)

Moneyline

• New Jersey Rangers +135
• Washington Capitals -155

Totals

• Over 5.5 (-125)
• Under 5.5 (+105)

Odds courtesy of BetOnline – Get 50% up to $1000 on your first deposit

Rangers vs. Capitals Game Information

• Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
• Date: Wednesday December 31, 2025
• Puck Drop: 12:30 p.m. EST
• TV: MSG, MNMT

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals Picks and Prediction

Rangers vs. Capitals Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-125) Get 50% up to $1000 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

I think we see another over here like last game. Both teams should bring the same energy, and it should be the same goaltending. I do think it goes the other way and the Capitals take this one. The Rangers offense is so spotty, and I think the Caps have Shesterkin's number this game.

It's a lower total with good odds. I think we see a 4-2 Capitals victory. They should come out early and take the lead. From there, I think it'll be there game to lose. New York will try to prove two weeks ago wasn't a fluke, but I don't think they'll deliver.

One play I'll be on is Shesterkin to get over his saves line. It should come out around 26 to 28 saves at probably -115 to -125. Washington put up over 30 on him last game and I don't think the Rangers defense has anything to stop it from happening again.

Tom Wilson didn't play last game and he's arguably the Caps best player this season. I like for him to get 3 or more shots on goal for +178. Sprinkle this one but he's coming off a six-shot game and I think he keeps rolling,

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