Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Prediction: Can Charlie Lindgren, Capitals Shine in Game 1?
We have finally made it to the NHL playoffs and Washington Capitals face the New York Rangers this afternoon. Can Charlie Lindgren and the Capitals Shine in Game 1? Krabs answers.
Krabs - April 21, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
5 minWashington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Prediction: Can Charlie Lindgren, Capitals Shine in Game 1?
All I’ve heard and seen on my feed this week is that the Washington Capitals are the worst team to make the playoffs in NHL history. As a Caps fan, I can agree with some of the hate; this team doesn’t light up the scoreboard, but they do have strengths that lean into the play I like in this game.
Capitals vs. Rangers DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 21, 2024
- Start Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Prediction
The one thing Washington does well is play defense. Their goalie Charlie Lindgren has had an impeccable season, giving up an average of 2.67 goals per game. He has clearly taken over as the Capitals best goaltender; that was made evident when he started back-to-back nights, securing consecutive wins for Washington and securing them a spot into the playoffs. I am getting serious “Braden Holtby vibes” from his performance this season. If anyone can keep the Capitals in this game against the best team in the league, it’s Lindgren.
The New York Rangers haven’t played a meaningful game in a while. They’ve had the President’s Cup, an award given to the best team in the regular season, locked up for some time. If the Capitals bring their physical, defensive-minded play to New York, they could control this game before the Rangers lock in.
Both of these teams haven’t cashed an over on the ice in nearly two weeks. The Rangers have coasted through the end of the regular season, and the Caps have leaned on Lindgren and their defense down the stretch. I’m expecting this game to play out very similarly to how both of these teams finished the regular season. Goals will come at a premium in this one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Caps keep this game close until the final whistle…
I’m not expecting the Capitals’ offense to show up in a big way in the first game of this series, but I do trust their veteran defense to keep the Rangers off the scoreboard for the majority of this contest. This total is sitting at o/u 5.5 with the juice on the under for a reason. Expect Washington to lean on their defense in this one… their only chance of pulling off the upset is in a 2-1 low-scoring type of game. With the Rangers still shaking the rust off, that’s exactly how I see this game playing out.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Pick
WSH/NYR u5.5 (-115) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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