Lightning vs. Capitals Prediction
The Washington Capitals stunned the host Tampa Bay Lightning as road underdogs in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Is Washington going to keep its foot on the gas pedal as the series shifts cities tonight for Game 3?
Game Snapshot
1 Tampa Bay Lightning at 2 Washington Capitals
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Capital One Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Capitals are a -120 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Lightning are a +100 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Tuesday morning, 64 percent of public bets are being placed on host Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Capitals finish strong in Game 2
Washington trailed 2-1 through one period of Game 2, but tied it up with 17:10 remaining in the second period on a goal from Devante Smith-Pelly. The score remained at 2-2 until late in the second when Lars Eller scored his fifth goal of the playoffs with 1:02 on the clock. Evgeny Kuznetsov added his eighth goal of the postseason with three seconds left in the second period to make it a 4-2 game. Alex Ovechkin tallied his 10th goal of the playoffs a few minutes into the third to pad the lead, while Brett Connolly scored the final goal to make it 6-2. Eller, Kuznetsov and John Carlson all had two assists. Braden Holtby recorded 33 saves on 35 shots to pick up the win. Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos both scored for Tampa Bay, their fifth goal each in the playoffs. Andrei Vasilevskiy surrendered six goals on 37 shots in the loss.
Backstrom questionable tonight
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has missed the first two games of this series with a hand injury, which has him listed as questionable for tonight’s Game 3. He tallied 21 goals and 50 assists in 81 regular season games. In 11 playoff games, he has registered three goals and 10 assists. The only other player on the injury report is Tampa Bay left winger Adam Erne (lower body), who has not played in the playoffs after only accounting for three goals and an assist in 23 regular season contests.
NHL Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The over is 20-7-2 in the last 29 meetings. The Lightning are 16-35 in the last 51 meetings in Washington.
Washington
The Capitals are 5-0 in their last five games after allowing two or less goals in their previous game. The home team is 20-9 in the last 29 meetings.
Prediction:
I know the Lightning had the better regular season and are probably the better overall team, but there is no one in the playoffs playing better hockey or with more confidence right now than Washington. This line seems a bit small considering the Caps are red-hot and Tampa Bay has struggled in Washington. Take advantage of the short line and bet on Washington.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -120