Washington at New York

Washington had to win its final three games to assure a playoff spot and that's what it did and the Capitals come into the playoffs with a lot of momentum and a hot goaltender on their side. Charlie Lindgren has won his past three starts in clutch situations while allowing a total of three goals. He is 25-16-7 with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage with six shutouts. New York is 1-4 its past five first round games and it lost to New Jersey in seven games in 2023. The Rangers split four games with Washington this season and will have Igor Shesterkin in net with a 36-17-1 mark and a 2.58 goals-against average. However, Washington was #16 in goals allowed with a respectable 3.07 per game and with Lindgren the Capitals are a huge bargain in this game. Take the Capitals as a Max Play.