Fansided

3 takeaways from the Capitals bottling up the Lightning in Game 2

By Jeremy Lambert

TAMPA, FL - MAY 13: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 13, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MAY 13: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 13, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – MAY 13: Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) checks his stick prior to a power play during the second period of the second game of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 13, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – MAY 13: Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) checks his stick prior to a power play during the second period of the second game of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 13, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Lightning bottled

In Game 1, the Capitals defenders gave Lightning players no time to think or space to move. The result was Washington ending up with 10 shots through the first two periods. They were able to rally in the third, but it was too little too late by then.

Tampa Bay made more of an effort to get pucks on net in the first period. They finished the period with 13 shots and two goals, both on the power play. That’s about the only success they’ve had in this series. Of their four goals, three have come on the power play. Overall, they are still trying to be too cute with the puck.

They are getting dominated five-on-five. Once again, skaters had no time to think and no room to move. They got more pucks on net in Game 2, but nothing was high quality. Washington netminder Braden Holtby had a clear look at the majority of Tampa Bay shots. While the Capitals have gotten in front of and around Vasilevskiy to deflect shots or clean up rebounds, the Lightning has stayed on the outside.

Holtby has had to make one save and he’s either covered it because he had a clear view or a Capitals defender has easily come up with the rebound.

Tampa Bay thrived on speed all season. Speed in their thinking, speed in their movements. The Capitals have forced them to play in traffic through two games. Tampa Bay has struggled to adjust.

Someone on the Lightning has to step up in Game 3.

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