The Washington Capitals are set to face off against the New York Rangers on December 31 at Capital One Arena. This afternoon matinee starts at 12:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on MNMT. Fans can also tune in via 106.7 THE FAN and the Caps Radio Network.
Game Preview: Capitals vs Rangers
The Capitals (20-14-5) are looking to close out the year strong against the Rangers (19-17-5) in a pivotal matchup. Washington is coming off a challenging stretch, having played four games in five and a half days after the NHL’s holiday break. This game marks the first of two afternoon matchups in consecutive days, with the Capitals set to travel to Ottawa for a game the following day.
Recent Performance
- The Capitals ended a five-game overtime losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
- In their most recent outing, they suffered a 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers, despite holding a 3-2 lead in the third period.
- Jakob Chychrun scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the victory against New Jersey.
Washington has struggled to maintain leads, accomplishing this only twice in their last 10 games, which also include a shutout win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Their performance has been inconsistent, with a record of 3-5-2 in the last ten matches.
New York Rangers’ Situation
The Rangers arrive in Washington after a mixed December, holding a 6-5-3 record for the month. They have faced challenges at home, enduring eight shutout losses this season, setting a franchise record. Most recently, they defeated the Capitals 7-3 on December 23, showcasing a powerful offensive display.
Key Statistics
| Team | Record | Goals Per Game (Home) | Shutout Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals | 20-14-5 | N/A | N/A |
| Rangers | 19-17-5 | 1.89 | 8 |
The Capitals aim to finish December above .500, entering the match with a record of 5-5-3 this month. The outcome of this game is crucial for both teams as they approach the midpoint of their season, which has been marked by close standings and competitive play. Each team will look to capitalize on their opportunities to bolster their positions in the Eastern Conference.
Looking Ahead
The Capitals need to improve their offensive stability and capitalize on scoring chances, while the Rangers will seek to enhance their performance on the road. Both teams are in critical phases of their seasons, making this New Year’s Eve matchup particularly significant.
