The Coach's NHL Puckline PUNISHER
(NHL) Washington vs. NY Rangers,
Point Spread: 1.50 | -210.00 Washington (Away)
Result: Win
The New York Rangers are facing elimination tonight as they host the Washington Capitals for Game 5 of this Eastern Conference semifinals series. This has been an incredible even series and considering the circumstances I would not be surprised to see this one go past regulation which would see Washington cover the puck-line.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The Caps have not put themselves in this favorable position only to give it up easy. They know they can't afford to throw the Rangers who finished the regular season with the best road-record in the league a bone here despite playing a hypothetical Game 6 at home and will be looking to close out the series as quickly as possible.

2. Previous Meetings - Each of the previous four games in the series have been decided by a single goal.

3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin has totaled six goals while scoring in five straight visits to MSG.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals +1.5 (5*)