Capitals vs. Lightning: Game 6 Predictions

After a rough start in Tampa Bay, the Washington Capitals will look to even things up for a Game 6.

Disgruntled and frustrated have to describe the emotions of the Capitals at the moment. What looked to be a firm grip on the Eastern Conference Finals from the start has quickly turned into a momentum swing for Tampa Bay — momentum used to take Game 5 of the series.

A goal just seconds into the game from Cedric Paquette really set the tone for the rest of the contest. Tampa dominated the opening frame as a result, and it turned out to be game over for Washington.

Two big things were noticed from Barry Trotz’s side in the contest. First, and probably most alarming, was how Washington’s players were visibly rattled on the ice. From pounding sticks in frustration to complaining to the officials, and everything in between.

To some, this isn’t really a big deal. However, the way things have turned out in this series, it shows a whole heck of a lot on team morale. The Caps were dominant in the opening two games, but we can now see what happens when they let it slip.

They aren’t keeping their cool no matter how tough things are getting. The first period was a mess and the players simply reflected that. A quick breather in between periods was decent enough to give Washington two goals, but it was too little, too late.

The Capitals, and especially Alex Ovechkin, need to play things really safe mentally heading back to the Verizon Center. One little slip emotionally and the Lightning has too many playmakers that will surely punish them.

Secondly from the list mentioned above is that Braden Holtby looked very uncomfortable all throughout the contest. It’s easier said than done, but the first two goals maybe could have been saved from the former Vezina winner.

Holtby knew it too, which maybe set a tone for him as well. There really needs to be no further explanation; Holtby needs to be himself in the net for Game 6. Yet again, one little slip up from Holtby and the Capitals, it will be series over.

Tampa has been here plenty of times before, and they know exactly what Washington is going to try and hit them with. Combine that with all of the scoring that has been coming from the top to the bottom for the Lightning, and chances are they head to the cup final.

The one thing saving the Caps is the number of playmakers on the squad that can change the flow of a game by themselves. Those players don’t need to be named, and they all have to show up to have a chance in their own barn.

Stay out of the box, keep cool and play the usual fast-paced, high-scoring hockey that supporters of the Capitals have been accustomed to for quite some time. For the Lightning, they just need to keep doing the same thing.

That’s a huge difference; one which will likely see Ovechkin and Washington starting all over again. Little needs to be done for Tampa for them to see out the series. On the flip side of the coin, change needs to happen quickly for the Caps because catastrophe seems to be on the horizon.

Expect all of what has been mentioned above to be combined with just the peer skill of the Lightning to see them win the series, no doubt about it. Depth is a huge advantage that Tampa has, and it’s hard to counter against it for the opposition because of how critical it is.

The point has been made. Tampa has so much going for them that even if they don’t get it done in Game 6, they have a good chance of doing it in seven. Serious cup contenders from the start and it looks as if it is going to finish that way unless the Vegas Golden Knights get in the way.

Final Score: Lightning 4-2 Capitals

Next: Lightning vs. Capitals, Game 5: Full highlights, final score and more

What are your thoughts on the predictions for Game 6 between the Capitals and Lightning? Does Tampa win the series in the next game? Or do the Capitals swing back to give Ovi another chance? Let us know in the comments section below!