NHL Playoffs picks, odds: Expert predictions for Caps-Rangers, Preds-Canucks,

The Washington Capitals came into their first-round series against the New York Rangers as decisive underdogs. Not only because the latter finished the season with the league’s best record, but because the Capitals have the worst goal differential of any playoff team in 35 years.

Their two potential keys for success were always going to be staying out of the penalty box to keep one of the league’s best power plays off the ice, and to hope that Alex Ovechkin might still have some magic left and take over a series.

Entering Game 3 on Friday night, neither has happened.

The Rangers’ special teams units have largely taken over the series, while Ovechkin has not only failed to score a goal, he has managed just a single shot on goal in the two games. It is uncharted territory for Ovechkin who has always been a dominant offensive force in the playoffs even if the Capitals as a team were not always finding success.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said after Game 2 on Tuesday night that Ovechkin is clearly struggling, while Ovechkin said on Thursday that his performance hasn’t been good. It might be time for Carbery and the Capitals to make a lineup switch to help get Ovechkin back on track.

During the regular season Ovechkin found his most success when he was playing alongside center (and Capitals leading scorer) Dylan Strome. The Capitals have not utilized that duo in the playoffs, instead pairing Ovechkin with Connor McMichael. During the regular season the Capitals averaged just 1.66 goals per 60 minutes when Ovechkin and McMichael skated together during 5-on-5 play (via Natural Stat Trick). That number jumped up to 2.66 goals per 60 minutes when he was paired with Strome. The Capitals do not have the scoring depth to have a chance in this series if Ovechkin is not scoring goals or making an impact. They can not afford to wait much longer to try something new to help get him going.

Odds are from BetMGM and update live. Buy tickets to see your favorite team on StubHub.

New York Rangers at Washington Capitals — Game 3

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET on TNT, SN360

Rangers lead series 2-0

Series odds: Rangers -5000, Capitals +1400

• In the six head-to-head meetings this season, including the first two of this playoff series, the home team has won every game. The Rangers are 4-0 at Madison Square Garden against the Capitals, while the Capitals are 2-0 at Capital One Arena against the Rangers.
• Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has not allowed more than three goals in 25 consecutive playoff games. In 16 of those games during that stretch he has allowed two goals or less.
• The Capitals had the 5-on-5 edge in Game 2 but lost the game on special teams, allowing the Rangers to score two power play goals and a shorthanded goal that proved to be the game-winner. Keeping the game an even-strength game is one of the biggest keys for Washington.
• Alex Ovechkin has failed to record at least two shots on goal in only 17 of his 149 career playoff games. Two of them…