Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Washington Capitals taking on the New York Rangers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
2024-25 Season Series: Capitals 3-0 Rangers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: MSG; NHL Network; Monumental Sports Network
Sunday’s matchup between the Capitals and Rangers is literally the only game in town. The NHL has taken to some questionable scheduling, and this leaves this Metropolitan Division battle as the only one on the Sunday slate.
Both teams are coming off victories on Saturday after dropping their respective season-openers. However, the Blueshirts played one more game than their division rivals.
Let’s get into this key early-season matchup in this lone game of Sunday’s NHL predictions.
The Capitals Story
Washington is coming off a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday night. Aliaksei Protas had two goals and an assist, while Jakob Chychrun chipped in with two assists. Martin Fehervary and Ryan Leonard also supplied goals for the Capitals in the win. Logan Thompson stopped 33 of the 35 shots he faced.
Charlie Lindgren will likely draw the start, with Thompson starting the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter.
Protas is the team’s leader in goals (2) and points (4) so far this season. Chychrun also has three points off three assists for Washington so far this campaign.
The Rangers Story
New York got a measure of revenge from an opening-night shutout against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blueshirts rolled to a 6-1 drubbing of the Pens in the Steel City. Adam Fox tallied two goals and an assist while Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Noah Laba each picked up a pair of assists. Igor Shesterkin turned aside 18 saves to get the win in between the pipes.
Jonathan Quick will likely get his first start with Shesterkin appearing in the first three games. Quick has been a capable backup for his two seasons on Broadway.
Fox leads the team in goals (3) and points (4) in the early portion of this season. However, Carrick is the unlikely assists leader with three. New captain J.T. Miller also has three points for the 2025-26 campaign.
Prediction
The Capitals settled down after a surprising opening-night loss to the Boston Bruins. Washington is trying to defend its divisional crown and has a strong backup in Lindgren to help shoulder the load.
New York has already played three games so far this season and could be without Carson Soucy. The veteran blueliner left in the second period after crashing head-first into the boards.
Both teams have offered a mixed bag so far this season. However, take the Capitals to get the win on the road.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out our NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game on a few different sports books is set at 5.5, and we think this game could be one where the over gets hit.
As for individual props, go with Tom Wilson to record at least a point for Washington. On the New York side of things, take Artemi Panarin to get an anytime goal.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 12 Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.