New York at Washington

The Washington Capitals did a great job taking out the defending NHL Champion Boston Bruins. It did take its toll on the Caps as the series went seven games, with four of the seven ending in overtime. They are off yet another overtime game that has put them down in this series two games to one and they are starting to look like a tired team. The Rangers finished the season poorly and when they went down to Ottawa three games to two in their opening series it had left them at 3-6 over a nine-game stretch. They have rebounded nicely going 4-1 in their last five and have a renewed look to them. Playing on two days rest has been a strong spot for this team as they are 9-2 in this rested situation over their last 11. The Caps can't seem to get over the hump in this round as they are 1-7 in their last eight conference semi-final playoff games. Washington has also struggled at home vs. teams with a winning road record going 1-6 in their last seven vs. such teams. They are also just 17-25 the past two seasons coming off a game in which they scored under 2 goals. Play this one on New York.