New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 12/31/25

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals close the 2025 calendar year with a matinee game at Capital One Arena in the nation’s capital on Wednesday. The Rangers have been one of the best teams on the road, going 14-7-2, while they’ve been one of the worst when playing on home ice at 5-10-3. The Rangers suffered a 3-2 loss in overtime at Carolina on Monday night, while going 1-2-1 in the past four games. However, they were able to score a 7-3 road win against the Capitals on Dec. 23 as moderate underdogs (+130) for the lone win in that four-game span.

The Capitals suffered a 5-3 loss at Florida on Monday, and they’re have a very tough time keeping pucks out of the back of their net. Washington’s Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson have both struggled, with the Caps allowed 23 goals in the past five games, or 4.6 goals per game (GPG). Washington is a very ordinary 11-7-2 at home this season, while, again, one of those losses was by a football score in the past week against these Blueshirts. It’s hard to understand, but New York can be trusted on the road, but avoid it when skating on home ice.

Rangers ML (+125) at time of publishing. Playable to +110.