The Washington Capitals (25-21-8) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (30-22-5) on Thursday, February 22nd. 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 Senators. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Capitals vs Lightning

The Washington Capitals Are Coming Off A Win

Heading into today’s game, the Capitals are 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 25-21-8. In the Metropolitan Division, they are 6th and have gone 12-8 against divisional opponents. On the road, Washington is 11-12-3 this season and has won two straight games away from home.

As the underdog, the Capitals have been the favored team in just 16 of their 54 games and have gone 13-19-6 in those games. Over their last ten games, Washington has gone just 3-7 and they are 2-1 in their last three games.

Washington enters the game with an overall puck line record of 24-30, including a road puck line mark of 11-15. Their average scoring margin on the road this year is at -0.8 goals per game.

So far, the Capitals have been the underdog in 38 of their games, going 20-18 against the puck line in those contests. In their last ten games, the team’s puck line record is 4-6, and they have 14 losses by more than one goal this season.

In their recent matchup, the Capitals hosted the Devils and came away with a 6-2 victory. Against the Devils, Capitals’ offense was able to score in all three periods. Of Washington’s six goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 26 shots on goal and seven giveaways.

Entering the game as the underdog, Washington came away with a victory against the puck line. The combined total of 8 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals for the game.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Heading into today’s game, the Lightning are 7th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-22-5. In their division, Tampa Bay is 4th and has gone 6-10 in divisional matchups. Over their last ten games, the Lightning have gone 6-4.

At home, Tampa Bay has gone 18-7-3 on the season and are currently on a two-game losing streak at home. In games where they have been favored, the Lightning have gone 21-10-1.

At home this season, the Lightning have a puck line record of 17-11 and an average scoring margin of +.8 goals per game. Overall, Tampa Bay has a puck line record of 29-28, including going 6-4 in their last ten games.

So far, the Lightning have 21 wins by multiple goals, and they have gone 15-17 against the puck line when favored. In their last three home games, Tampa Bay has a puck line record of 1-2.

Coming off a 4-2 loss at home to the Senators, the Lightning are hoping to bounce back today. Offensively, the Lightning couldn’t break through in the first period, but they scored one time in the second period and one goal in the third. All two goals came at even strength. They finished with 25 shots on goal and had 6 turnovers.

Tampa Bay was favored by -1.5 giving them a loss vs. the puck line. The game finished below the over/under line of 7 with a combined total of 6 goals.

Washington Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Capitals come in averaging 2.5 goals per game this season, which is 30th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 29th in the league. In terms of the Capitals’ offense during power plays, they are 29th in power play goals and 32nd in shorthanded goals.

The Capitals come in with an over/under record of 23-29-2. Over the course of the season, they have had 34 games failing to surpass the 6.5 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 5.7 per game.

Lightning Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Lightning come into the game at 3.4 goals per contest placing 5th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 18th position in the league. The Tampa Bay offense is ranked 1st in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 29th in the NHL.

The Lightning come in with an over/under record of 26-27-4. Over the course of the season, they have had 29 games failing to surpass the 6.5 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 6.8 per game.

Washington Team Defense

Washington defense takes on the Lightning ranked 19th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.6 shots per game against Washington. They also are 11th in shutouts, with 4 shutouts.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Lightning head into the game ranked 15th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.7 shots per game against Tampa Bay. So far, they are 13th in shutouts, achieving 3 shutouts.

Capitals vs Lightning Trends

• Across their three previous road games, Washington has an puck line mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-1 while averaging 3 goals per game.
• In their last three games at home, the Lightning have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 3 goals per game in these contests.
• The last ten games that Tampa Bay was the underdog, they have an puck line mark of 4-6 while going 3-7 straight up.
• In their last three contests as the favorite, Washington has a poor record vs the puck line going 1-2. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 2-1.

Capitals vs Lightning Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline bet in this game, our analysis leans towards the Lightning picking up the win. However, given the current odds of -198, I’d advise going with the puck line, as our predictions have the Lightning coming out on top by more than one goal.

For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Lightning to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Capitals.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6.5 goals, we believe that this game will remain below that figure, and we recommend wagering 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.