Capitals vs. Lightning Prediction
The Washington Capitals put forth a fantastic effort on their home ice in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning to force tonight’s winner-take-all contest. Will Washington get another win and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals or is it going to be host Tampa Bay that moves on in front of its fans?
Game Snapshot
53 Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Amalie Arena at 8PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Lightning are a -145 favorite on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +145 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. As of Wednesday afternoon, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Holtby rebounds with shutout effort
Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby had struggled in the three losses in a row, but bounced back with a shutout in a must-win situation in Game 6 as the hosts won 3-0. Holtby stopped all 24 shots sent his way, which came after he had a save percentage of no better than .864 in the previous games. He finally outplayed Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first time this Game 2. Vasilevskiy was still stellar in his own right, stopping 31 of 33 shots and doing everything he could to keep Tampa Bay in the game.
Oshie scores twice in win
Washington right winger TJ Oshie broke a scoreless tie with 4:48 left in the second period, while he scored the clincher on an empty net with 50 seconds remaining to make it a 3-0 game. They were Oshie’s sixth and seventh goals of the playoffs. Devante Smith-Pelly scored the second goal for the Caps midway through the third period as he buried it past Vasilevskiy off a fantastic feed from Chandler Stephenson. Jay Beagle also assisted on the goal.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The road team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. The under is 2-0-2 in the last four meetings.
Tampa Bay
The under is 5-0 in the last five Lightning games on a Wednesday. The over is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings in Tampa Bay.
Prediction:
Washington has risen to the challenge in all its biggest playoff games this year, a sea change from previous seasons when it would flame out in must-win games. This will be the biggest game in the career of Alex Ovechkin and I expect him to get on the scoresheet. Holtby has his confidence back and I think the Capitals are a story that isn’t going to end here.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS +125