Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Betting Prediction

NHL Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction 10/26/2024

The Washington Capitals (5-1-0) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3-0) on Saturday, October 26th. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa and televised on ESPN+. The Capitals are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Lightning are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Wild. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Capitals vs Lightning

washington capitals nhl

The Washington Capitals Are Coming Off A Win

With a 6-3 win over the Flyers, the Capitals improved to 5-1-0. Washington covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 9 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.

Five different players scored for the Capitals, with Connor McMichael leading the way with two goals. Washington had a 4-0 lead at one point, but the Flyers narrowed it to 4-3 before the Capitals added two empty-net goals to seal the win.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

With a 4-2 loss to the Wild, the Lightning’s record now stands at 4-3-0. Tampa Bay was favored on the puck line, but failed to cover. The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score hit that number exactly, resulting in a push.

The Lightning fell behind early, with the Wild scoring at 6:23 in the first period. Tampa Bay responded with two goals in the second period, but Minnesota tied it up before the period ended. The Wild then added two more goals in the third to secure the win.

Washington Offense Breakdown

Washington’s offense scored six goals on 25 shots in their 6-3 win over the Flyers. Connor McMichael found the net twice, bringing his season total to three goals. Pierre-Luc Dubois added his first goal of the season with an empty-netter, while Alex Ovechkin scored his second, also on an empty net.

After a 1-0 lead in the first period, the Capitals added three more in the second, including McMichael’s second and third goals of the season. Washington had 17 giveaways in the game.

Lightning Offense Breakdown

tampa bay lightning

Tampa Bay’s offense was held scoreless in the first period before Brandon Hagel netted his sixth goal of the season, a shorthanded effort. Nikita Kucherov followed with his eighth goal, leaving him just one behind the league leader, Auston Matthews, who has nine. The Lightning took 25 shots on goal but were blanked in the third period.

Tampa Bay registered 23 giveaways in the game. Four different players picked up assists, with Anthony Cirelli earning his eighth of the season. Nick Paul and Nick Perbix also contributed, with Paul now sitting at five assists for the year.

Washington Team Defense

Defensively, the Capitals had a 4-0 lead over the Flyers, but they allowed three straight goals, with the last coming at 6:36 into the 3rd period. Two of those goals were on the power play. Logan Thompson made 26 saves with a save percentage of 89.7%. Washington’s defense also recorded 5 takeaways and 16 hits.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Defensively, the Lightning allowed the first goal at 6:23 into the first period, and after taking a 2-1 lead in the second, they gave up three unanswered goals—one at 18:22 in the second and two more in the third. Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with a save percentage of 82.4% on 17 shots from the Wild.

Capitals vs Lightning Trends

  • Through their last ten road games, Washington has an puck line record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 4-6 while averaging 2 goals per game.
  • In their last five games at home, the Lightning have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team averaged 3 goals per game in this stretch.
  • Tampa Bay has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 puck line in their last five games.
  • Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Capitals have an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 against the spread.

Capitals vs Lightning Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Lightning to take down the Capitals at home. With the moneyline currently at -168, I’m placing my bet on the Lightning straight-up.

For a puck line pick, we are going with the Lightning to win and cover. Look for the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Capitals.

If you’re looking at the the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will stay below that threshold, and we strongly suggest placing a bet on the under.


All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!


* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.