The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to regroup and attempt to get back into this series the hard way as they venture to Capital One Arena down 2-0 to the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference final. The Bolts had the best home record in the East this season but that didn’t faze the Caps, who outscored the Lightning 10-4 in the first two games in Tampa Bay and are now 10-4 SU in the postseason. The Lightning opened as +110 underdogs to dig deep and get the Game 3 victory.
SHARK BITES
The total has gone OVER in six of the Capitals’ last eight games at home.
The Lightning are 3-0 SU in their last three games on the road.
The Capitals are 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games with one day off between games.
What the Capitals have accomplished so far vs the Lightning is astounding when you factor in that they are playing without Nicklas Backstrom. The Swedish center has been sidelined with a right-hand injury but that hasn’t intimidated Washington as it has a wealth of forwards ready to step up like Lars Eller. Eller moved up to the second line in Backstrom’s absence and scored a goal in Game 2, giving him five goals and 11 points in the playoffs.
But Eller’s efforts may not have mattered if it wasn’t for goaltender Braden Holtby’s stellar play. Holtby has been instrumental in the Capitals’ success with a .926 save percentage in 12 playoff starts and hasn’t allowed more than three goals in any game in this postseason. If bettors are planning to wager on the Caps tonight, they should know that Washington is 11-2 SU in the last 13 games when hosting Tampa Bay.
The Lightning, on the other hand, have lost two games in a row for the first time this postseason and are not used to being an underdog in general. Tampa has been a pup in only 11 games this season and Bolts backers will love to know that the Lightning are 8-3 SU and ATS, outscoring their competition 48-32 in those games. Netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy looked vulnerable for the first time in these playoffs but he’s been solid in four road starts with a 2.00 goals-against average and an eye-popping .954 save percentage. He’ll need to stand tall and the Bolts will need to dictate the pace if they want to get back in this series as they were outshot 69-56 in the first two games.
The total opened at 6 and trends are pointing to an OVER. The OVER has hit in 15 of the last 22 games in this matchup with an average combined score of 6.45 goals per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Washington Capitals as -141 favorites earlier today. The OVER/UNDER opened at 6 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 2.8-2.6 win for the Capitals on Tuesday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
The Washington Capitals bring a 59-28-9 record to the battle against the 62-27-5 Lightning. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Washington go 53-40-3 so far and the Lightning go 55-35-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Tampa Bay injuries news.
The OddsShark NHL Power Rankings have the Capitals at No. 7 and the Lightning at No. 10 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 7-ranked offense, averaging 3.25 goals per game, against a Lightning defense that ranks No. 12 at 2.88 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 24.32% while the Lightning defense kills off 75.41% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Betting Trends
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Washington is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
