Capitals vs. Lightning Prediction
The Washington Capitals secured a victory as the road underdog in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Is Tampa Bay going to rebound with a victory tonight to even the series at a game apiece?
Game Snapshot
55 Washington Capitals at 56 Tampa Bay Lightning
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Amalie Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Lightning are a -200 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +170 underdog, while the total sits at 6 goals. As of Sunday morning, 51 percent of public bets are being placed on host Tampa Bay. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Capitals hold on after four-goal lead
Washington defenseman Michal Kempny scored his first goal of the postseason with 12:32 remaining in the opening period of Game 1, while the visitors scored again with six seconds left in the period on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal to grab a 2-0 advantage. It was the ninth goal of the playoffs for Ovechkin. Jay Beagle and Lars Eller each added a goal in the second period to make it a 4-0 game. Tampa Bay did cut it to 4-2 in the third period as Steven Stamkos and Ondrej Palat each scored, but the home team could not get any closer. Braden Holtby made 19 saves on 21 shots to pick up the win. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was shaky early and gave up four goals on 25 shots. Louis Dominique replaced him in the second and stopped all seven shots sent his way.
Backstrom doubtful for Game 2
Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom missed the opener of the series with a hand injury and is doubtful to play tonight. He tallied 21 goals and 50 assists during the regular season, serving as Ovechkin’s main distributor. Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman (undliscloved) is probable to play and left winger Adam Erne (lower body) is questionable. Stralman had four goals and 14 assists in 80 regular season games, while he has added a goal and three assists in 11 playoff games. Erne had three goals and an assist in 23 regular season contests. He has yet to appear in the playoffs.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings in Tampa Bay. The over is 19-7-2 in the last 28 meetings.
Tampa Bay
The Lightning are 8-1 in the last nine Sunday games. The home team is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.
Prediction:
The Capitals were great in Game 1 and the Lightning probably had more rust to shake off with a longer wait before the series started. Expect Tampa Bay to get on track this game and protect its home ice. Vasilevskiy should bounce back strong after struggling in Game 1.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING -200