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Andrew Rogers
Lightning vs. Capitals: Game 4 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
Tampa Bay earned a 4-2 victory in Game 3 to trim the best-of-seven deficit to 2-1 – and in the process, improved to 6-0 all-time against the Capitals in post-season meetings at Capital One Arena.
Lightning vs Capitals Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
This series has become a difficult one to handicap, with the road team winning each of the first three games – and that trend has held steady throughout the postseason, with the home team going just 33-39 as of Wednesday. And Washington hasn’t been immune, going 3-4 at home so far in the playoffs while being outscored 20-11 in losing six straight home playoff games. Tampa, meanwhile, has won each of its previous four games away from Amalie Arena.
Both teams are trending toward the over – no surprise given that the teams have combined for a whopping 20 goals through the first three games of the series. The Lightning are an incredible 17-6-3 O/U in their past 26 road games overall, and have gone over the number 23 times in their past 33 outings following a win. Washington is 6-2-1 O/U in its last nine home games, and the teams have gone over in 20 of their past 30 meetings.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The second period has been the difference in this series; the Lightning were held without a goal in both middle frames in Tampa but would not be denied in the U.S. capital, breaking out for three second-period tallies in their Game 3 victory. Expect the second 20 minutes to be equally important Thursday night; Tampa Bay is installed at +162 to win the frame, while the Capitals are at +145. You’ll get +200 for a second-period draw.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have become a much safer regulation play since opening the playoffs with a crazy stretch in which they went to overtime in four of their first five games against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington has gone to extra time just once in 10 games since, making their +130 odds for a regulation win a tempting play. Conversely, you’ll get +285 on the Lightning and Capitals going to extra time in Game 4.
