Tampa Bay stared down the barrel of a gun on Tuesday. And they didn’t blink. The Lightning beat the NHL Playoff lines to get back into the Eastern Conference Final. The 4-2 win cut Washington’s lead down to 2-1 in the series. So far, the road team has won all three games. With a win Thursday the Lightning can even the series. And then host game five on Saturday night. Tuesday’s win showed the character of Tampa Bay. Not to mention their ability as a team. Indeed, it was a reminder whey they are top seed in the East.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals Game 4
Date and Time: Thursday, May 17, 2018, 8 p.m. ET
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | +1½ (-315) | 6 (-115) |  |
| Capitals | -1½ (+258) | 6 (-105) | |
| |||
Lightning vs. Capitals TV Coverage: NBCSN
Series so Far
Washington lost game three despite holding a 38-23 advantage in shots on goal. Slumping Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy redeemed himself after playing poorly in the first two games. Vasilevskiy stopped 36 out of those 38 shots in a clutch performance. This time it was Braden Holtby who was subpar. The Washington netminder allowed four goals on 23 shots. Tampa Bay captain Steve Stamkos figured large with the NHL playoff lines. Stammer scored a goal with an assist and was a plus one. Defenseman Victor Hedman added a goal and two assists.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay was totally caught off guard at home to begin the series. Losing by scores of 2-4 and 2-6 exposed them badly. Vasilevskiy was horrible. Head coach Jon Cooper admitted the team was off its game. But game three proved how capable the Lightning actually are. Now the pressure is back full blast on the Capitals. They are a team known for wilting in the playoff heat. History is as much of an opponent for Washington as Tampa Bay is.
Tampa Bay has been an excellent sportsbook bet in road playoff games. The Lightning have won nine of their last 12 on the road in post season. Including four in a row this year. Just four of their last 18 away post season games went over the total.
Washington
Washington has been subpar in home playoff games. In their last 11 post season games on home ice they paid just four times. Just one of their last four went over the total. The Caps have dropped four of their seven home playoff games so far this year. Just three of their last 10 home playoff games went under.
Team vs. Team
Washington has had the edge in this series with the NHL Playoff lines. The Caps have won 14 of their last 20 against the Bolts. Just one of the last five of those meetings went over the total. Capital One Arena has seen the Caps win 11 of their last 14 vs. the Lightning. The last four In DC failed to clear the total. It should be noted that Tampa Bay has won their last two visits to Washington.
Matchup to Watch
Washington is up against itself as much as it is the Lightning. With Vasilevskiy back in form look for the Lightning to even the series. A series where home ice has not been a matchup edge at all.
Lightning vs. Capitals NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Tampa Bay should head home dead even against Washington!
NHL Betting Online Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL Betting Online Score Prediction: Lightning 3, Capitals 1
Check out highlights of the Lightning’s game 3 win!