The NHL is back in action on Wednesday as the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning will play game seven in the Eastern Conference Finals. The winner will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Capitals won the last game to take the series at 3-3.
Washington Capitals Form
The Capitals were able to take the series to game seven after their convincing home win against the Bolts. They were a solid team in the playoffs so far and their away record is very good. They were in a similar scenario in the previous round as they had to play game seven against the Penguins away and they won it. This will give them confidence in repeating that in this game against Tampa Bay. The Capitals away record this season stands at 28-22 and they have averaged 3.04 goals per game and have allowed 3.10 goals per game in those games.
On the offensive side of the game, the Capitals are the 2nd best team in scoring during the postseason at 3.44 goals per game, converting on 29.8% of their chances. At the defensive side of the game, during the playoffs, they have been solid as they are placed on the 5th spot in goals conceded, letting in an average of 2.61 goals per game and allowing teams to convert on 25.0% of their chances.
Tampa Bay Lightning Form
The Tampa Bay Lightning has been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season. Their offensive firepower has been their main weapon and their recent loss in DC was just the 2nd time this season that the Lightning has not scored. They will aim to get that offence back on track as they averaged 3.22 goals per game during the playoffs. Tampa Bay has gone 35-15 here at home so far this season and they have averaged 3.48 goals per game and have allowed 2.94 goals per game in those games.
On the offensive side of the game, Tampa Bay is placed on the 5th spot in the league in scoring at 3.13 goals per game, converting on 29.1% of their chances. At the defensive side of the game, they have been above average during the playoffs as they are placed on the 6th spot in goals allowed, conceding an average of 2.75 goals per game, allowing the opposing teams to convert on 26.1% of their chances.
This is the game in which everything will be decided. This series has been a bit strange as the away team has been dominant in the games. However, the Caps won the last game to break that and now Tampa Bay will aim to do the same. The Caps showed that they are capable to win crucial games like this one. They beat the Penguins at their home ground in game seven and I will not be surprised if they can pull out something similar here. On the other side, Tampa Bay has been one of the best and most consistent teams in the NHL this season. Nevertheless, I expect a hard fought battle between two teams and my prediction is to go for the 5.5 Under bet.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on 5/23/2018 is: Take the UNDER 5.5 (game total)
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