Capitals vs. Lightning: Game 1 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
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Andrew Rogers
The Tampa Bay Lightning have regained their spot atop the Stanley Cup futures odds as they prepare to host the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final Friday night. The Lightning are installed at +265 to win their second NHL championship, only slightly ahead of the stunning Vegas Golden Knights (+275) – and they’re heavy favorites in Game 1 against a Washington team that finally got past the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.
Capitals vs. Lightning Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
You won’t need much convincing to see the Lightning as faves in the opener, but there are compelling reasons to at least consider the Capitals at +150 to win Game 1. Washington has won 20 of its past 27 games overall and is a red-hot 10-1 straight up in its previous 11 road outings. And Washington has been the superior team over the previous decade-plus, having won 35 of the previous 52 head-to-head meetings between the East powers.
From a totals perspective, both teams have been tremendous over plays when given a few extra days off. Washington has gone above the number in 10 of its last 11 games on three or more days of rest, while Tampa Bay is 13-5 O/U in its last 18 in the same situation. And the teams have done plenty of scoring at Amalie Arena in recent encounters, going over the number in eight of their previous 10 meetings there.
Washington Capitals
Bettors have plenty of options going into this NHL matchup – and putting your faith in the Capitals will pay handsomely. Despite upending the two-time Stanley Cup-champion Penguins in Round 2, Washington is +133 to advance to the Stanley Cup for the first time in 20 years – and +300 to complete the Game 1/series double. Alex Ovechkin is matched up with Nikita Kucherov in an intriguing points prop, with both players listed at +105 to outscore the other.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Taking a shot on the Capitals could be a worthwhile risk, but it’ll be hard for Washington to topple a team that has been the class of the East for the majority of the season. Tampa has won 38 of its past 52 home games, and has won four of its past five games against Metropolitan Division foes. So it’s no surprise that the Lightning are -183 to advance to the Stanley Cup – and +100 to complete the Game 1/series double.
