The Tampa Bay Lightning look to send the Washington Capitals packing tonight, Wednesday May 4th, as the Lightning have a commanding 3-0 lead in the best of seven series. NHL oddsmakers have the Lightning as -120 moneyline home favorites over the Capitals (+105) with the over/under listed at 5 goals. Be sure to check the Capitals vs Lightning NHL Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Washington (4-4, 1-2 V) got goals from Alex Ovechkin, Mike Knuble and John Carlson in the loss for the Capitals, who have not been swept since losing the 1998 Cup Finals to Detroit. That was also the last year Washington made it past the second round of the playoffs. Michal Neuvirth allowed four goals on 30 shots in defeat, as Washington carried a 3-2 edge into the third period, but coughed it up after allowing the quick goals to Stamkos and Malone. Ovechkin, Washington's captain and best player, is dangerously close to yet another playoff disappointment. He has five goals and four assists in eight playoff games this season and 49 points (25 goals, 24 assists) in 36 career postseason outings, but the sniper has never been past the second round. Washington defenseman Mike Green suffered a lower-body injury in Game 3 and is questionable for tonight's contest. Green has six points on one goal and five assists in the playoffs this year.
Tampa Bay (7-3, 2-2 H) recorded wins in Games 1 and 2 in D.C., the Lightning grabbed a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with Tuesday's victory at the Forum. Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone scored in a 24-second span early in the third period as Tampa Bay topped Washington, 4-3, in Game 3. Vincent Lecavalier and Sean Bergenheim also tallied for the Lightning, whose only other trip to the East finals was in 2004 when they won the franchise's first and only Stanley Cup title. "This team is a good team. It's going to be hard to win four games, so we're happy about the result tonight and we just have to reload tomorrow," said Lightning forward Martin St. Louis. Goalie Dwayne Roloson stopped 29-of-32 shots to continue his stellar postseason for Tampa. The 41-year-old backstop is 7-3 with a 1.92 goals- against average and .943 save percentage in these playoffs. The Lightning have played the last two games without forward Simon Gagne and defenseman Pavel Kubina, who both suffered head injuries in the opening game of this series. Both players are doubtful for tonight.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Capitals are 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Tampa Bay.
Capitals are 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
Road team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Capitals are 0-4 in their last 4 Conference Semifinals games.
Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. Southeast.
Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 games following a win.
Capitals vs Lightning
When: Wednesday, May-04-11, 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Capitals -120
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NHL Point Spreads Capitals vs Lightning game.
The Bottom Line: The Lightning have the hotter goalie and their on home ice. Be sure to check Capitals vs Lightning Hockey Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
