LiontipsTampa Bay vs Washington. NHL Match Prediction and Bets
Command Analysis
Current form
After a successful start to the season, Tampa Bay began a decline that continues to this day. The team played a three-game road trip, which began with a loss to Ottawa (4:5). The Lightning did not show their best defense and allowed their opponent to take the lead in the first period, after which they were unable to recover. This time, goalie Vasilevsky did not show his best, reflecting only 82% of the shots. Then Cooper charges went to visit Toronto, where they suffered a complete rout with a score of 2:5. This time, Vasilevsky had to be replaced in the middle of the second period, after the fourth missed puck.
Tampa was able to partially redeem itself in front of the fans on the road against New Jersey, winning confidently with a score of 8:5. Forward Hagel scored one of the fastest hat-tricks, which he needed only six minutes of the second period. Sireli also distinguished himself, giving four assists. It seemed that the Lightning would be able to give Minnesota a worthy fight at home, but there were problems with the effectiveness of the attack, which led to another failure (2:4). Due to the large number of lost points, the club has already dropped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference table.
Disqualifications and injuries
What is noteworthy is that Tampa has no problems with its roster; absolutely all players are in the ranks.
Interesting trends for betting
- The Lightning average four goals per game.
The team main strength remains its very active, and most importantly, effective attacking play.
- Tampa Bay has already allowed eight goals while shorthanded.
The Lightning are not playing their best when shorthanded and consistently allow their opponents to take advantage of the extra man on the court.
Current form
In their first match of the regular championship, Washington suffered a 3-5 defeat from New Jersey, as they were unable to fully realize their potential in attack, and goalkeeper Lindgren did not look their best. However, after this failure, the Capitals have not lost a single match and already have five wins in a row. What is noteworthy is that almost all of them ended in regulation time, and serious problems arose only in the return match with Jersey, snatching revenge in overtime (6-5). Forwards Strome and Wilson showed an excellent game, scoring three points each.
After the rematch, the Capitals went to visit Philadelphia, where they confidently consolidated their success, winning another victory with a difference of three goals (4:1). The entire defensive line of the club deserves special praise, which did not allow the opponent to shoot at their goal. Then the Capitals hosted the Flyers at home and again confidently beat the opponent with a score of 6:3. By the equator of the second period, Washington had an advantage of four goals and could not let it slip away. Ovechkin scored a goal and thus reduced the gap from Wayne Gretzky sniper record (894) in the National Hockey League to 39 goals.
Disqualifications and injuries
Almost all of the team key players are in action, but Backstrom, Oshie T.J. and Roy remain injured.
Interesting trends for betting
- Washington averages 28 shots per game
Oddly enough, the Capitals have one of the worst records in the league at the moment in terms of shots on target.
- The Capitals average 10 penalty minutes per game.
The club needs to work on discipline; the team often breaks the rules and ends up in the minority.
Trends
Goal in each period bet - yes
In four of the six head-to-head matches, the teams scored a goal in each period.
1.50Bet 2nd period: total under 1.5 goals
In four out of five head-to-head matches, the teams failed to score more than one goal in the second period.
2.55Tip and bets
Bookmakers continue to believe in Tampa Bay success and give it a fairly low odds, which is rather strange given the team results this season. Indeed, the Lightning are superior to the Capitals in terms of roster, but it is worth noting that the Lightning are not in the best shape at the moment and still cannot improve their defensive play, missing a huge number of goals from match to match, which Washington can easily take advantage of. The Capitals, on the contrary, have a very strong defense, which could be a problem for the home team. So we suggest using the odds and betting in favor of the guests.
Our prediction is Washington victory with a handicap of (0) at 2.42
Bet on total
In the upcoming match, we can expect a lot of goals scored, as Tampa will once again play an open and attacking hockey, which they will try to impose on Washington. We cannot ignore the terrible play of the Lightning on defense, as well as the poor form of their goalies.
Forecast - total over six goals for 1.80
Bet on the outcome of the first period
It is still worth noting that Tampa will be playing at home, where due to the home advantage it has a good chance of earning an advantage in the starting period.
Prediction - Tampa Bay win in the first period with a handicap of (0) for 1.66
