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Andrew Rogers
Capitals vs. Lightning: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
It took the Washington Capitals just 60 minutes – and actually, it was more like 40 – to turn the Eastern Conference final completely around. The Capitals will look to take a two-game edge back to the U.S. capital as they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of this NHL matchup on Sunday night. The Capitals broke out to a 4-0 lead after two periods and held on from there, becoming -143 favourites to win the series after entering the best-of-seven as the underdogs.
Capitals vs. Lightning Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
Oddsmakers aren’t expecting a Washington sweep in the Sunshine State, making the host Lightning even bigger faves than they were in the opener. And a big part of that is how Tampa Bay has responded in recent weeks after struggling to generate offence: The Lightning are a perfect 5-0 in their last five after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game. But the Caps are equal to the task, having won four in a row after allowing two or fewer goals last time out.
With a total of six expected for the second game in a row, a push is very much in play – and it converted in Game 1, just the second in the previous 28 meetings between the teams. They’ve combined to go 8-2-1 O/U in their last 11 encounters at Amalie Arena, and are 19-7-2 O/U in their last 28 overall. The Lightning (14-5-3 in their last 22) and Capitals (21-7-2 in their last 30) are also strong over options when scoring or allowing two goals or fewer in their last game.
Washington Capitals
If Washington’s opponents have learned anything this postseason, it’s that the Capitals’ power play is a game-breaking thing of beauty. Washington scored twice with the man advantage in its Game 1 triumph and has converted in 11 of 13 post-season games so far. Washington has the best conversion rate of any of the four remaining teams (32.6 percent), a major reason why it’s tied with Winnipeg for the most goals scored by any team in the playoffs to date.
Tampa Bay Lightning
A potent power-play is something the Lightning can brag about, as well; they’ve scored a man-advantage goal in six consecutive games and are at 26.8 percent for the playoffs. But they’ve also surrendered power-play goals against – even with Washington for the most in the postseason – and have also been burned for a pair of shorthanded tallies. The Lightning are on a sensational week-ending roll, having won eight of their previous nine Sunday games.
