Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Rangers Struggles on Defense are Poised to Persist

With the New York Rangers back line struggling to play at a competitive level, the Washington Capitals offense has a great opportunity to generate high quality Shots on Goal by consistently exploiting their gaps in coverage. Later in the night, we shift our focus towards the Vegas Golden Knights as their versatile front line has all the tools to give the Toronto Maple Leafs star goalie Anthony Stolarz fits to help clear the over on their team total.

Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers - Prop Bets (7:30 PM, EST)

Washington Capitals Team Total Over 2.5

After Winnipeg went 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, the Washington Capitals are now two points back from first in the overall standings. With just 21 games remaining in the regular season, the Capitals margin for error is razor thin should they want to remain in contention for the Presidents’ Trophy. Especially with the Jets steadily turning into a well rounded contender as they head into the final stretch of the season ranked above league average in Expected Goals For and Expected Goals Against in All Situations.

Should the Capitals want to keep pace with the Jets, then they must continue to lean on their high powered offense as their front line has been their most consistent source of production. As of writing, the Capitals offense ranks sixth overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.39 Expected Goals per game. Alexander Ovechkin has been instrumental in their success as the future hall of famer is averaging 0.48 Expected Goals in his quest of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record.

Fortunately for Washington, their offense will be in a position to thrive against the New York Rangers as their defense ranks 27th overall in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Especially with their star goalie Igor Shesterkin struggling to round back into form as the former Vezina Trophy winner is ranked in the bottom half of the board in average Goals Against per game. Should the Capitals team total move up to a flat three, then reduce the size of your wager.

Tom Wilson Anytime Goalscorer

Washington’s Tom Wilson has been successful in his efforts of creating high quality scoring opportunities this season as the Capitals enforcer is averaging 0.42 Expected Goals per game. With his linemate Connor McMichael also averaging a high amount of Expected Goals, the Rangers defense will be spaced out while trying to defend both forwards. This will create gaps in coverage on the opposite side of the ice for Wilson to exploit, increasing his chances of scoring on a one timer.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights - Prop Bets (10:00 PM, EST)

Vegas Golden Knights Team Total Over 3

While the Vegas Golden Knights defense have regressed over the past few weeks, their front line has been able to sustain their high level of play as their offense ranks top-5 in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. Their success on offense stems from their depth as seven players average more than 0.25 Expected Goals per game. This helps lessen the possibility of them going through a prolonged scoring lull as every line features a productive playmaker who can generate offense.

Even with Anthony Stolarz projected to get the start for Toronto, the Golden Knights versatility will have him constantly shifting across the ice which opens up higher quality shooting lanes for their offense to exploit. Especially with Toronto’s back line struggling to play at a competitive level as the Maple Leafs defense ranks 23rd in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Expect Vegas to neutralize Toronto’s star goaltender by consistently peppering him with high quality Shots on Goal throughout the contest.

Mark Stone Over 1.5 Shots on Goal

With Toronto’s back line struggling to stay in front of the puck, Mark Stone will have the opportunity to consistently pressure the Maple Leafs net by blitzing through their lackluster coverage. Stone has been a steady source of offensive production for the Golden Knights as the forward is averaging 0.32 Expected Goals and 2.04 Shots on Goal per game. Back Stone to clear the over on this prop as his uptick in shot attempts increases the likelihood of him generating Shots on Goal.