NHL Predictions: Capitals Look to Clinch Playoff Spot Against Rangers

Expert picks and best bets for Sunday's NHL action, including Capitals-Rangers, Devils-Canadiens, and Blues-Avalanche.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:06pm

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NHL expert Jonathan Davis shares his predictions and best bets for Sunday's NHL games, including a crucial matchup between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers, as the Capitals look to clinch a playoff spot. Davis also breaks down the Devils-Canadiens and Blues-Avalanche games, offering his top prop bets and moneyline picks.

Why it matters

With the NHL regular season winding down, these games hold major playoff implications. The Capitals are fighting for a postseason berth, while the Canadiens and Avalanche are jockeying for division titles and seeding. Davis' expert analysis and betting recommendations provide valuable insights for hockey fans and bettors.

The details

In the Capitals-Rangers matchup, Washington could clinch a playoff spot with a win. The Capitals have won two of three against the Rangers this season, and goaltender Charlie Lindgren is expected to start for the Caps, boasting a strong 1.49 goals against average and two shutouts against New York. The Rangers, meanwhile, have struggled in the second half of back-to-back games this season, winning just once in 12 such contests. The Devils-Canadiens game is a rematch from the previous night, with Montreal looking to extend its eight-game winning streak. The teams have played three close 4-3 games recently, and Davis is targeting props involving high-scoring players like Cole Caufield, Jack Hughes, and Nico Hischier. In the Blues-Avalanche tilt, Davis sees value in the Blues, who he believes could catch Colorado in a flat spot after the Avs' big win over the Stars. He's targeting Blues goal-scoring props, including Pius Suter and Dylan Holloway.

  • The Capitals-Rangers game is at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The Devils-Canadiens game is also at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The Blues-Avalanche matchup is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Charlie Lindgren

The Washington Capitals' goaltender, who is expected to start against the Rangers. Lindgren has a 1.49 goals against average and two shutouts in his career against New York.

Cole Caufield

The Montreal Canadiens' forward, who has scored goals in 9 of his last 12 games and 10 of his last 13 home games.

Jack Hughes

The New Jersey Devils' center, who has recorded two or more points in five of his last seven games.

Pius Suter

The St. Louis Blues' forward, who has scored five goals in the seven games he has faced Colorado goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.

Dylan Holloway

The St. Louis Blues' forward, who has registered at least three goals in eight of the last nine games.

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What they’re saying

“With a win today, the Washington Capitals could find themselves in a playoff spot. The Caps are bunched up with five other teams fighting for two playoff spots.”

— Jonathan Davis, NHL Expert

“The win for Montreal last night extended their win streak to eight games, but they have a 10-game home losing streak to New Jersey.”

— Jonathan Davis, NHL Expert

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These games hold major playoff implications, with the Capitals, Canadiens, and Avalanche all jockeying for postseason positioning. Davis' expert analysis and betting recommendations provide valuable insights for hockey fans and bettors looking to capitalize on these crucial late-season matchups.