2011 NHL Hockey Free Predictions: Capitals vs Lightning
It’s NHL hockey betting season once again. Hockey Gambling fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Bet On NHL Hockey Today at One of our top online sportsbooks —> BOOKMAKER.COM
NHL Playoff Betting – Capitals vs Lightning Preview & Pick
Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Venue: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL
Broadcast: Versus, TSN
Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Lines from BetOnline.com
Money Line: Capitals -110, Lightning -110
Spread: Lightning -1.5
Over/Under: 5
CLICK HERE FOR our LIVE NHL ATS Betting Stats For This Game —>
CANADIAN? CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOKMAKER SPORTSBOOK —–>
The Washington Capitals looked polished, mature and defensively sound in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, disposing of the Rangers in five games. Through two games against Tampa, however, the Caps are reverting to the frustrating habits that plagued them earlier this season.
Washington lost Games 1 and 2 and home, largely because they seriously lacked discipline and focus. It’s almost like the layoff after beating the Rangers hurt them. In Game 2, they got their sticks up over and over and, worse yet, they were caught horribly out of position on a brutal line change that led to Vincent Lecavalier’s overtime winner. Vinny had two goals on the night for Tampa.
Ultimately, though, it was Dwayne Roloson who gave Washington the most trouble on Sunday. The Caps outshot Tampa Bay 37-23 but the 41-year-old Roloson stood tall. He now has a .947 save percentage and 1.80 goals against average over nine games in these playoffs.
The good news for Washington is that it was arguably the better team in Game 2, outchancing the Lightning. The Caps beat themselves more than Tampa Bay beat them. So, in theory, they should still have a good shot of making this series interesting. 
Alex Ovechkin is more or less pulling his weight so far. He has four goals and seven points in the playoffs. But Brooks Laich, Mike Green, Jason Arnott and Mike Knuble have just a goal apiece; Nicklas Backstrom, Marco Sturm and John Carlson haven’t found the twine once. If Washington’s secondary scorers don’t step up soon, this series could be over in a hurry.
The pick:
I wouldn’t expect the Caps to roll over and die just yet. They’ve still been the more dominant team in at least one of the two games so far. The road trip won’t scare them; if anything, it will help focus them. They’ve won 10 of their last 12 visits to Tampa Bay. Sooner or later, Dwayne Roloson has to let in a soft one; and, sooner or later, Steven Stamkos’ disappearing act will hurt the Lightning when they really need a goal.
I still think this will be a long series. Pick Washington to rebound in Game 3.
Capitals vs Lightning prediction: Capitals 4, Lightning 2
Money Line: Capitals -110
Spread: Capitals -1.5
Over/Under: OVER 6
Hey! I wanna tell you something! Our “IN-HOUSE” Sports capper Ray “The Razor” Monohan is on FIRE with his NHL Picks over the last 30 days! Wanna make some $$$$ betting on NHL games? Check out Ray’s plays today! The #1 NHL Capper In The World! • NHL Overall Plays (+2612) 93-55 L148 63%, • NHL Plays (+1757) 63-37 L100 63%
