Capitals vs Lightning Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Tampa's Offense Staled Early

We have an Eastern Conference tilt with the Atlantic Division’s Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Metropolitan Division’s Washington Capitals. These two teams squared off just two nights ago with Washington grabbing a 5-1 victory on home ice.

Will Washington take care of business once again, or can the Bolts get revenge at home? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Capitals vs Lightning on Sunday, November 13.

Capitals vs Lightning best odds

Capitals vs Lightning picks and predictions

Tampa Bay's offense failed to produce much offense in Friday’s 5-1 loss, particularly early on as it failed to find the back of the net for the first 50 minutes of the game. Slow starts have been a common theme for this Lightning squad recently as they have failed to score in the first period in three of their last five games.

This trend should continue on Sunday night as goaltender Darcy Kuemper is slated to take the crease for Washington. Despite jumping ship from Colorado over the offseason, Kuemper has not missed a beat and has been terrific for the Capitals.

Through 12 starts this season, Washington’s netminder boasts a .920 SV% and 2.35 GAA. Among starting goaltenders, he ranks eighth in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5.

The defense in front of Kuemper has been solid recently, especially early on in games as opposing teams have failed to score in the opening frame in each of Washington’s last five games. Remarkably, this team has stayed strong despite facing a litany of injuries throughout the lineup.

However, this blue line should be fully healthy for the first time in weeks as defensemen John Carlson returned on Friday while Dmitry Orlov practiced on Saturday and should be good to go on Sunday night. The Capitals’ defense and goaltending have held up well despite those two guys missing time and will only improve in their return.

My best bet: Lightning first period Under 0.5 (+165 at DraftKings)

Capitals vs Lightning moneyline analysis

I would lean towards the Caps in this matchup at plus money, although their offense is too much of a concern. At 5v5 this season, Washington ranks just 24th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).

While its defense continues to get key pieces back, the offense is still crippled with injuries. T.J. Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom, and Tom Wilson are all going to miss this contest, which is a tremendous amount of firepower to make up for.

In fact, this club has scored two or fewer goals in five of its last seven games. With the inconsistent offensive production and the number of injuries, the Caps are not large enough of underdogs to back in this contest.

Capitals vs Lightning Over/Under analysis

I would lean towards the Under, although I do not necessarily trust the current form of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Tampa Bay netminder and future Hall of Famer will undoubtedly figure it out as the season progresses, so a slow start to the campaign is not an indictment of his elite status or where he will end up this season.

That being said, he has allowed three or more goals in six straight starts, including five in Friday’s loss to the Capitals. Through 10 starts this season, Vasilevskiy is 4-5-1 with a .901 SV% and 3.11 GAA.

While it remains to be seen whether this is the contest where he turns it around, his shaky play to begin the season and past starts against the Capitals are too big of concern to take the Under.

Capitals vs Lightning betting trend to know

Opposing teams have failed to score in the first period in each of Washington’s last five games. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs Lightning.

Capitals vs Lightning game info

Capitals vs Lightning key injuries

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