Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions November 27th 2024

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals November 27th 2024

Planning on watching today’s Capitals and Lightning game? Catch the action at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL, as the Lightning hosts this showdown at 7:30 ET on TNT. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6 goals, and the Lightning are -1.5 goal favorite to win at home against the Capitals.

Washington vs. Tampa Bay Key Information

• Teams: Capitals at Lightning
• Where: Amalie Arena Tampa
• Date: Wednesday, November 27th
• Betting Odds TB -145 | WAS +123 O/U 6

The Capitals Can Win If…

Following a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes, the Capitals’ record now stands at 14-6-1. Washington’s defense struggled, allowing the Hurricanes to score the game’s first goal at 5:59 in the first period, but the Capitals responded with two goals of their own in the first period to take the lead.

Washington entered the game as the underdog on the puck line, with the total set at 6 goals. The combined 6 goals resulted in a push. The Capitals’ defense couldn’t hold the lead, as the Hurricanes scored three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter with just 9 seconds left in the game.

Washington’s offense was held to just two goals on 21 shots in their 4-2 loss to Carolina. Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his second goal of the year.

The Capitals’ two goals came in the first period, with Duhaime scoring at 19:49. Washington recorded 15 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Capitals will look to improve after allowing the final three goals in their last game, including two in the second period and an empty netter at the end of the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but the defense gave up 44 shots on goal. They also finished with 20 hits and 2 takeaways.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Capitals have gone 1-2 straight up. Across this span, their puck line record sits at 3-0 to go along with an over-under mark of 0-3.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Capitals have gone 6-4 straight up. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 7-3 and an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lightning Can Win If…

Tampa Bay fell to 11-7-2 after a 7-4 loss to the Jets. The Lightning were underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 11 goals easily surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5 goals.

Tampa Bay held a 2-0 lead early but couldn’t hold on. The game was tied at 4-4 before the Jets scored three unanswered goals, including two empty-netters.

Tampa Bay’s offense managed 4 goals on 30 shots in their 7-4 loss to Winnipeg. Brandon Hagel opened the scoring with his 7th goal of the season, while Brayden Point added his 8th on a power play. Mitchell Chaffee netted his 4th goal, and Nikita Kucherov scored his 10th, unassisted, in the third period.

The Lightning had 8 giveaways and recorded 4 assists. Jake Guentzel picked up his 8th assist on Chaffee’s goal, and Nick Paul added his 7th assist.

Despite Tampa Bay tying the game at 4-4 in the third period, their defense struggled late, conceding three goals to the Jets, including two empty-netters. Jonas Johansson made 27 saves with a save percentage of 84.4%.

• Across Tampa Bay’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 1-2 and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Tampa Bay has put together a record of 4-6 in their last ten games (regular season). In these contests, the team went just 3-7 against the spread, while going 4-6 on the over-under.

The Lean

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Lightning to secure a victory over the Capitals at home. With the moneyline currently set at -145, I’m locking in my bet on the Lightning straight-up.

For a puck line pick, we are going with the Lightning to win and cover. Look for the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Capitals.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

NHL Picks & Predictions

Lightning Look to Continue Offensive Surge Against Capitals

The Tampa Bay Lightning will aim to replicate their explosive offensive performance from Monday when they host the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night. After a decisive 8-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, the Lightning are hitting their stride and seeking consistency as they approach the midseason grind. Meanwhile, the Capitals, fresh off a resilient win against the Florida Panthers, present a different kind of challenge with their disciplined, defense-first approach.

Tampa Bay’s Offensive Revival

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper has been vocal about his team’s need to simplify their play. His critique of overpassing and highlight-seeking tendencies seemed to resonate, culminating in a franchise-record night for Brandon Hagel and a dominant team performance.

• Brandon Hagel’s Record Night: Known for his speed and scoring, Hagel shattered expectations by dishing out four assists in the first period, tying an NHL record for most assists in an opening frame. He added a fifth assist later, matching the Lightning’s single-game record shared by franchise greats like Martin St. Louis.
• Team Contributions: Brayden Point continued to shine, notching his team-leading seventh power-play goal. Nikita Kucherov, Nick Perbix, Jake Guentzel, and Michael Eyssimont also contributed to the scoring spree, showcasing the team’s depth.

The Avalanche were overwhelmed early, with Tampa Bay scoring three times in the first 10 minutes and forcing two goaltender changes. For a team that had struggled offensively in their previous two outings (0-1-1), the performance marked a much-needed reset.

Challenges Amid Lightning’s Success

Despite their recent success, Tampa Bay remains without forward Nick Paul, who has missed three games and is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the week. His absence tests the team’s ability to maintain their offensive rhythm against a Capitals team known for disciplined play.

Capitals Adjusting Without Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals are navigating their own adversity, playing without their iconic captain Alex Ovechkin due to a broken leg. Despite his absence, the Capitals secured an impressive 4-1 victory against the Panthers, demonstrating their ability to adapt and execute as a team.

• Lars Eller and Jakob Chychrun Shine: Eller scored twice, while Chychrun delivered a stellar performance with a goal and two assists, including the game-winner on a power play in the third period.
• Logan Thompson’s Goaltending: Thompson’s steady presence in net, with 20 saves, has been a critical factor in Washington’s success. His 9-1-1 record speaks to his consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Contrasting Styles Set the Stage

The upcoming matchup highlights two teams with contrasting strengths:

1. Lightning’s Explosive Offense: Tampa Bay thrives on high-scoring affairs, fueled by stars like Kucherov and emerging contributors like Hagel.
2. Capitals’ Defensive Discipline: Washington emphasizes structure, relentless puck pursuit, and goaltending to stifle opponents.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Brandon Hagel’s Momentum: Can Hagel maintain his playmaking brilliance and continue to create scoring opportunities for the Lightning?
2. Washington’s Third-Period Control: The Capitals’ ability to dominate late in games, as seen against Florida, could neutralize Tampa Bay’s offensive edge.
3. Goaltending Duel: With Thompson excelling for Washington and Tampa Bay’s netminding tandem finding form, the game could hinge on who stands taller in goal.

Quotes Highlighting Team Dynamics

• Brandon Hagel on His Record Night: “I think (Nikita Kucherov) asked if I was Bobby Orr after the first period, and I’m far from it. But I’ll take that.”
• Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery: “I thought the third period was our best by far… That’s got to be what it looks like.”

These quotes capture the optimism and focus both teams bring into Wednesday’s game.

Looking Ahead

As the Lightning seek to extend their 4-1-1 streak over the past six games, the Capitals aim to build on their first win without Ovechkin in three attempts. With both teams vying to solidify their standings, this matchup promises intensity and drama.

Will Tampa Bay’s firepower overwhelm Washington’s structured defense, or can the Capitals’ methodical approach and goaltending stymie the Lightning? Hockey fans will get their answer in a clash of styles that underscores the unpredictable nature of the NHL season.