Tampa Bay Lightning could dent Washington Capitals’ playoff hopes – NHL Preview
Tampa Bay Lightning is already eliminated from NHL's (National Hockey League) playoff contention, but it still has a say in the competition as Lighting has an opportunity to dent Washington Capitals’ hopes.
Capitals are closely chased by Buffalo Sabres and one of them would certainly play in the postseason.
At the moment, Capitals are favourites to qualify for the playoffs, but they have got three more games to play in the regular season and anything is possible.
Lightning and Capitals are going to face each other on Monday, April 02, 2012, at Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Capitals
They are ranked at eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with 88 points after 79 games, and have a two-point lead over the ninth-ranked Sabres.
Out of the last four games, Capitals have won three and are presently on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Boston Bruins (3-2 after shootout) and Montreal Canadiens (3-2 after shootout).
Against Canadiens, Capitals got a good start to the game as they scored twice in the first period without conceding any goal. However, Montreal hit back and levelled the score, forcing the game to overtime, which went goalless.
In the shootout, Capitals scored twice while Canadiens failed to produce even a single scoring move.
Capitals were pleased to get two straight victories that gave them an edge over Sabres.
After the win against Montreal, Capitals’ defenseman, Dennis Wideman, said:
"Two leads the last two games. We have to find a way to keep pushing and keep pressing and not letting teams back in the game."
Lightning
Already eliminated from playoff contention, Lightning is ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, with 79 points after 78 games.
No matter what Lightning does now, they cannot play in the postseason, but it certainly can create trouble for Capitals.
Lightning has won four of its last six games with the recent victory coming against Winnipeg Jets (3-2 in overtime).
Predictions
Capitals may be able to overcome Lightning.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Lightning wins, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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