Lightning vs. Capitals: Game 1 prediction

The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here is a prediction for the outcome.

The Washington Capitals are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time. This comes after a disappointing last three years of early postseason exits in the Second Round. There’s no doubt that the Capitals are playing with a chip on their shoulder as a result, as the hockey world has continued to write them off.

However, Game 1 may prove to be a challenge for the Capitals. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been a surprise to many, as they beat the Boston Bruins en route to the East Final. They no doubt have some momentum coming into this game, but will it be enough?

The Lightning on paper are favored to win this game. Considering they were the top seed in the Eastern Conference for many reasons and are a deep team, it’s not a surprise. But they can’t make the mistake of taking the Capitals lightly.

The Capitals will need to defend the Lightning’s offense, which outscored them during the regular season series. The Lightning will have their hands full with the Capitals offense. Alex Ovechkin will be a challenge for them, with 15 points, eight goals and seven assists in 12 games.

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Both teams are even in many aspects, which should make for a fun game. Each team will need to take advantage of the other’s mistakes, which will making penalties and the penalty kill important in this game.

Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby could ultimately be the difference-makers in this game. This one could prove to be a low-scoring affair due to how good the goaltenders on both sides are.

Prediction: The Lightning will defeat the Capitals 3-2 .