Capitals vs. Lightning Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning return home after evening their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Washington Capitals at two games apiece. Will Tampa Bay continue its winning ways tonight in Game 5 to take the series lead?
Game Snapshot
5 Washington Capitals at 6 Tampa Bay Lightning
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Amalie Arena at 7:15PM ET
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Lightning are a -170 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +150 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Saturday morning, 65 percent of public bets have sided with visiting Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Vasilevskiy outstanding in Game 4
Tampa Bay 23-year-old goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy turned away 36 of 38 shots for a second game in a row to lead his team to another 4-2 win in Washington as the series is now tied at 2-2. He routinely made highlight-reel saves to keep Washington at bay and the momentum on the Lightning’s side. He now has a 2.63 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage 14 playoff contests, making his numbers respectable despite a few shaky starts. Braden Holtby was less stellar on the other end, surrendering three goals on 19 shots in the defeat.
Killorn nets game-winner
With 8:03 remaining in the third period, Tampa Bay center Alex Killorn found the back of the net to break a 2-2 tie. It was the fifth goal of the postseason for Killorn. The score would stay that way until Anthony Cirelli added the clincher with only 1.5 seconds to go. Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos also scored for the Lightning. For the Capitals, Dmitry Orlov opened the scoring in the first period. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his 10th goal of the playoffs in the second period to make it a 2-2 game before Tampa Bay took the lead back in the third.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The over is 1-0-3 in the last four Capitals games overall. The road team is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Tampa Bay
The over is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings in Tampa Bay. The over is 20-7-4 in the last 31 meetings overall.
Prediction:
Washington missed a big-time opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead, dominating the Lightning in shots on goal and possession but unable to capitalize on its numerous chances. Now back in Tampa Bay, expect a more fluid performance from the Lightning on the offensive end. Go with the hotter goalie in Vasilevskiy and the team that won the last two despite not playing great hockey.
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NHL DAILY PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING -170