Capitals vs. Lightning: odds, choices and predictions for today: Tampa offense stalled ahead of schedule

Washington defeated Tampa Bay just last week, and now these teams will meet again. With Kemper showing stellar hockey early in the year and the Caps returning figures, our NHL predictions show the Bolts are struggling to score early.
We have a shot at the Eastern Conference where the Tampa Bay Lightning of the Atlantic Division take on the Washington Capitals of the Capital Division. The two teams met just two days ago when Washington took a 5-1 victory on home ice.
Will Washington be able to get back into business or will the Bolts be able to get revenge at home? Find out about our free bets and NHL predictions on the official 1win website, Capitals v Lightning on Sunday, November 13.

Capitals vs Lightning Predictions

Tampa Bay's offense didn't lead to a major defeat in Friday's 5-1 loss, especially early on as they failed to hit the net in the first 50 minutes of play. Slow starts have recently become common for this Lightning team as they have failed to score in the first period in three of their last five games.
That trend should continue Sunday night as goaltender Darcy Kemper is set to take over at Washington. Despite moving from Colorado during the off-season, Kemper didn't miss a beat and played well for the Capitals.
Over 12 starts this season, the Washington goaltender boasts a .920 SV% and 2.35 GAA. Among starting goaltenders, he ranks eighth in above-expected batting in 60 minutes (GSAx/60) in a 5-on-5 game.
The defense against Kemper has been solid lately, especially in early games as the opposing teams failed to score in the first frame in each of Washington's last five games. It is noteworthy that this team remained strong, despite many injuries in the roster.
However, that blue line should be fully operational for the first time in weeks as defensemen  John Carlson returned on Friday and  Dmitry Orlovtrained on Saturday and should be ready to go Sunday night. The Capitals' defense and goaltending has held up well despite the two guys missing time, and will only improve with their return.

Money line analysis Capitals vs Lightning

I would be leaning towards the Caps in this game for the big money, although their offense is too much to worry about. This 5v5 season, Washington is only 24th in the league in expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
While his defense continues to play key moments, the offense is still plagued by injuries. TJ Oshie, Niklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson will miss out on this contest, which it makes up for in massive firepower.
In fact, this club has scored two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games. With inconsistent offensive scoring and injury numbers, the Caps aren't large enough underdogs to sustain this contest.

Capitals vs Lightning over/under analysis

I would lean towards Under, although I do not necessarily trust the current form of goalkeeper Andrei Vasilevsky. The Tampa Bay network player and future Hall of Famer will no doubt figure this out as the season progresses, so the slow start to the campaign isn't an indictment of his elite status or where he'll be this season.
In doing so, he conceded three or more goals in six straight starts, including five in Friday's loss to the Capitals. Over 10 starts this season, Vasilevskiy is 4-5-1 with .901 SV% and 3.11 GAA.
While it remains to be seen if this will be a game-changer contest, his shaky early season play and past games against the Capitals are too big to worry about taking Less.

Capitals vs Lightning betting trends you need to know

The opposing teams have failed to score in the first period in each of Washington's last five games. Learn more about NHL betting trends for the Capitals vs. Lightning.

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