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Bolts Head to Washington to Take on Red Hot Caps

Kevin Flannery

By Jake Ricker

Overview

Tonight it’s the Tampa Bay Lightning (39-17-3) taking on the Washington Capitals (33-18-7). The Bolts will look to rebound from a crazy last game, while the Cap will look to get back to back wins. This will be the 3rd time these two teams face off with the first meeting ending in a 4-3 Lightning victory and the second ending in a 3-1 Caps win. Both teams will look to take the series win tonight as this will be final game played between the two. Let’s take a look at the game plan for these two teams as they get set to square off.

 

Tampa’s Outlook and Past

The Bolts have won 2 of their last 5 games scoring 17 goals over that span. The Bolts are coming off a frustrating loss to the Devils because of missed calls and opportunities. The Bolts played an ok game against the Devil’s, they were able to get plenty of shots but could not hold the Devil’s back. This will be the start of a three game road trip for the Bolts before heading back home. The Bolts have not won in Washington very often so tonight they will look to change that and get an important win. They will look to take back their top spot in the league with a win tonight.

Three Keys To The Game

Kevin Flannery

1. Correct the Mistakes

Stamkos said too many stupid mistakes costed the Bolts the game vs New Jersey.

2. Control the Game

We’ve been better at finishing outings but you cant let the opposition flip momentum after a goal so quickly.

3. Star Focus

Ovechkin is a legend. He continues to light the lamp. Shut him down.

Projected Lines

Offense 

Gourde – Stamkos – Johnson

Killorn – Point – Kucherov

Kunitz – Namestnikov – Callahan

Erne – Paquette – Peca

Defense

Hedman – Stralman

Sergachev – Girardi

Coburn – Sustr

Goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy:  34-12-2   GAA: 2.34  SV%: .927 (Confirmed)

Injuries

Ondrej Palat (1-3 Weeks)

 

Washington’s Outlook and Past

The Caps have had a great second half to the season and would like too keep it up as the postseason approaches. The Caps have won 2 of their last 5 games scoring 16 goals over that span. The Caps have struggled this year on the PK but will need to make sure they can stop the Bolts who have the second best PP in the league. This will be the start of a very short 1 game home stand before heading right back on the road. They will look to maintain their top spot in the Metropolitan division with a win tonight.

Three Keys To The Game

1. Home Ice 

The Bolts have only won 1 time since 2012 in Washington, don’t let them change that tonight.

2. Consistency

The Caps have been very streaky as of late, play like they did last night for a full 60 min

3.  Control the Pace 

The caps are coming off a victory last night in Buffalo, so they will need to control the pace and not let the Bolts take advantage of tired players.

Projected Lines

Offense:

Ovechkin- Backstrom- Wilson

Vrana- Kuznetsov- Oshie

Burakovsky – Eller- Connolly

Stephenson- Beagle- Smith-Pelly

Defense:

Djoos- Carlson

Niskanen – Orlov

Orpik – Bowey

Goalies:

Holtby: 28-11-4 GAA: 2.92  SV%: .911 (Likely)

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT LINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BEFORE GAME TIME AND MAY NOT BE AS SHOWN.

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