Rangers vs. Capitals prediction: NHL odds, picks, best bets for Saturday

Get the free Action Network app for expert picks, live odds, bet tracking and more. Adversity is a key box in the rubric for any team seeking to achieve success in the NHL . The Rangers have been off to the races all season but for the first time have lost three straight contests with Peter Laviolette behind the bench.

You can always blame injuries and other lineup circumstances, but Mika Zibanejad’s presence in Thursday’s 5 2 loss to the Blues likely wouldn’t have aided the result. The Rangers have been riddled by turning over the puck and allowing odd man rushes to bite them. There hasn’t been much puck luck, either.

Their once lofty lead in the Metropolitan Division has shrunk to three points heading into Saturday’s puck drop against the Capitals. Both games between these two have resulted in four goal deficits with the more recent Dec. 27 meeting ending 5 1 in favor of the Rangers. Washington has only won two games in the seven games the Capitals have played since.

They were punching their way back to ground level throughout November, but have sunk back to the bottom with a minus 26 goal differential. They are one of the most infertile teams in the NHL right now. Alex Ovechkin leads the club with 26 points and goals are coming at a 30th overall rate. His lethal effects on the power play have dwindled this season.

The Caps are No. 28 in power play efficiency and Ovechkin’s office at the top left circle has cashed in eight times in 107 opportunities. What’s worse is how Washington has struggled mightily in five on five play. They are minus 21 in their last 10 games at even strength. The Rangers potted four against them in the last go around.

The Rangers haven’t exactly been the textbook standard at five on five either, but they have mustered plenty of high danger scoring — just to no avail. The brightest light in this game is Vincent Trocheck, who has been shining on his line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. Trocheck has recorded eight points over the last four games and the line has combined for 18.

It was only a matter of time before the Caps’ age started to reflect on the ice. The Rangers are in prime position to capitalize with their efforts; this game comes at a perfect time in their schedule. Pick: Rangers 1.5 (+150, BetMGM ).