The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals meet Friday in Game 3 East First Round NHL Playoffs action at the Capital One Arena. Here’s a NY Rangers vs Washington Capitals Prediction.

New York Rangers Betting Preview

The New York Rangers look for another win to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. The New York Rangers are averaging 4 goals per game and are scoring on 25 percent of their power play opportunities. Mika Zibanejad leads New York with 1 goal, Alexis Lafreniere has 3 assists, and Artemi Panarin has 7 shots on goal. Defensively, the New York Rangers are allowing 2 goals per game and are killing 77.8 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Igor Shesterkin has allowed 4 goals on 46 shots faced.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals need a win to have a realistic chance of advancing to the next. The Washington Capitals are averaging 2 goals per game and are scoring on 22.2 percent of their power play opportunities. Connor McMichael leads Washington with 1 goal, Tom Wilson has 2 assists and John Carlson has 9 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 4 goals per game and are killing 75 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Charlie Lindgren has allowed 8 goals on 58 shots faced.

New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Injury Report

The Rangers have been without Filip Chytil since November, but it looks like he could return at some point, as he has been practicing. For the Capitals, Vincent Iorio is questionable with an upper body injury and Sonny Milano is doubtful with an undisclosed issue.

Washington Capitals Team Facts

• The home team has won each of the last six games between the Rangers and Capitals.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in seven of the Capitals’ last eight games at Capital One Arena.
• The Capitals have lost the second period in each of their last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

New York Rangers Team Facts

• The Rangers have lost each of their last six night games at Capital One Arena following a win.
• The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 12 of the Rangers’ last 13 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Rangers have won the second period in each of their last five games following a win.

NY Rangers vs Washington Capitals Prediction

The NY Rangers have been the better team this season and have been in complete control of this series. The Rangers have won 6 of the last 8 games against the Capitals. The Rangers should be favored for obvious reasons. However, if the Capitals are going to make this somewhat of a series, this is the game they win. There should be a sense of urgency with the Capitals here. Also, 22 of the Capital’s 40 wins have come at home this season. The home team has won each of the last 6 games between the Capitals and Rangers. We’re getting more than 1.5 times our money with the Capitals at home. I’ll take a shot in the dark with Washington.