Rangers vs Capitals odds – Washington snipers will pepper Lundqvist

The Rangers vs Capitals odds highlight the first round of what may be the most exciting NHL playoff betting schedule in years. The Southeast division champion Caps may play most of their road games in the balmy weather of Carolina and Florida now, but it wasn’t long ago that they shared a division—and a bitter rivalry—with the Rangers.

Rangers vs Capitals odds: Lundqvist must shine for New York to have a chance

• WHO: Rangers vs Capitals odds
• WHAT: Best of Seven series
• WHEN: Game 1 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
• KEY STAT: Capitals 3-1 in the season series
• THE PICK: Capitals in seven

This should be a heated battle of opposites, as Washington features a high-octane offense led by Alexander Ovechkin, while the Rangers feature a stingy defense anchored by goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

The Caps and Rangers took two very different paths to reach the postseason. The Capitals had a strong first half and, while they were hardly duds on NHL sports betting lines in the second half, they rested on their laurels a bit, playing somewhat lazy defense while laboring their way to a division title.

There’s no hiding the fact that the Caps’ offense is electrifying; led by Alexander Ovechkin, who captured his second of what should be a million Rocket Richard trophies, the Caps finished third in the NHL in goals and had the league’s second-best power play. Defenseman Mike Green had one of the finest offensive seasons ever at his position and is the true catalyst with the man advantage, while Nicklas Backstrom has emerged as one of the game’s premier playmakers. The Rangers better not get into penalty trouble—a tall order with Sean Avery in the lineup.

The Broadway Blueshirts’ NHL betting season was a rollercoaster; they flew out of the gate, stumbled horribly, then rallied with a solid late-season push. Midseason coaching hire John Tortorella led them to a 12-7-2 record and the Rangers carry serious momentum into this matchup after beating Montreal, then Philadelphia twice to end the season.

Keeping pucks out of the net is their forte; goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was sensational again for a squad that allowed the sixth-fewest goals in the league. The Rangers also have a few experienced playoff performers in Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, both of whom have Stanley Cup rings and could elevate their play in time for the playoffs.

DON’S PICK: This series will be a nailbiter and the deciding factor should be which team does a better job overcoming its weaknesses. The Caps allowed the second-most goals of any playoff team while the Rangers scored the fewest, so something has to give. In the end, bet on the Capitals to edge the Rangers in a classic series. Jose Theodore will play just well enough in goal to put the Caps over the top and they’ll be relentless in their attack.

For more Rangers vs Capitals odds or analysis on other sportsbook odds, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.

Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.