The NHL Playoffs Round 2 begins tonight when the Washington Capitals take on the New York Rangers in an Eastern Conference matchup. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Network. Currently the betting odds for the game have the Rangers listed as a solid favorite to get the job done.

Washington had to go to seven games to beat the New York Islanders in the opening round of the playoffs. New York had a much easier route to get here, going five games and winning the last three in the series.

There will be a lot of star power on the ice tonight and that will be nice to see for the entire series. These teams have begun to grow accustomed to each other as well as they meet in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years and the fifth time in the last seven years overall. 

Both of the last two series' have gone a full seven games, New York winning both of those in 2012 and 2013. Now both franchises have new coaches and are looking to get to the Stanley Cup Finals for a chance to win a title. The Rangers were in that position last season, but came up short to the LA Kings.

Tonight the Rangers open the series at Madison Square Garden looking for avoid some rust from having more time off than the Caps, so that could be a factor tonight. Look for the Rangers to overcome a slow start and find a way to win the game.

Free Pick: Rangers

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