NHL Odds: Caps on the Cusp Versus Lightning

Is this finally the year for the Washington Capitals? They were +165 underdogs heading into their Eastern Conference final against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the Capitals have taken the first two games of this series in Tampa, leaving them as –370 favorites to finish the job – which could happen as soon as this Thursday. NBCSN has Game 4 starting at 8 PM ET.


Washington got the jump on the Bolts by outshooting them 69-56 in Games 1 and 2 and outscoring Tampa Bay 10-4, including three power-play goals on seven chances. And they did it without second-line center Nicklas Backstrom (21 goals, 50 assists), who injured his hand in Game 5 of the previous series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Backstrom remains listed as day-to-day; in his place, Lars Eller already has two goals and two assists against the Lightning.
Tampa Bay have confirmed they’ll be sticking with goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (.920 save percentage) for Tuesday’s Game 3, despite his struggles in the first two games. No other changes are expected for the Lightning, who have now fallen to plus-1.94 betting units on the playoff puck line, with Washington taking the league lead at plus-7.41 units.
Get your NHL odds at Bovada today.

NHL Odds: Caps Stun Bolts, Setting up Pivotal Game 4

After winning the first two games on the road, the Washington Capitals can put their stamp on the Eastern Conference final with a win Thursday night (8 PM ET, NCBSN) in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Caps are –370 series favorites at press time as they prepare for Game 3 on Tuesday.


Despite allowing 10 goals over the first two games, Andrei Vasilevskiy (.920 save percentage) is expected to start Game 3 for the Bolts. Washington center Nicklas Backstrom (21 goals, 50 assists) remains day-to-day after injuring his hand in the previous round against the Pittsburgh Penguins.