Washington vs Tampa Bay: prediction for the NHL fixture
Washington and Tampa Bay lock horns on October 17 in the NHL regular season. What to expect from this game? Our answer is in the prediction below.

Command Analysis

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals played without their leaders in the preseason but entered the regular season in the optimal lineup. All the key players appeared on ice against the Rangers. Washington crushed the New Yorkers with a score of 5:1; Alexander Ovechkin scored a double and gave two assists.
Vitek Vanecek stopped 23 shots and has a decent chance of becoming the main goalie for the Capitals. Three of the goals were scored while the Capitals enjoyed man advantage.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are underwhelming as the defending champions. They looked terrible in the preseason and lost the first game of the regular season to Pittsburgh (2:6). Tampa couldn't create enough chances in attack. In the second round, Tampa narrowly avoided defeat from Detroit. In the last minutes in the third period, the Lightning managed to level the score and then prevailed in overtime (7:6).
Ondřej Palat and Steven Stamkos each scored a double. John Cooper's men played excellently on the offensive, but there is room for improvement in the defensive line. For instance, goalie Andrei Vasilevsky has conceded nine goals in two matches.
Trends
СтавкаWashington IT over 2.5 goals
In the last 2 games, Tampa conceded more than 2 goals.

Ставка2nd period: Washington to score
In the last 4 games, the Capitals scored in the second period.

Tip and bets
Washington looked great in the match against the Rangers. The key players proved that they are in good shape and are ready to earn points for the team. Tampa have huge problems on the defensive; they conceded six goals from Detroit in the last game. We predict that Washington will be able to beat Tampa at home.
Our prediction - Washington to win
Both teams scored a lot in their first games of the season, and head-to-head games also usually are high-scoring. We suggest playing the total over.
Second bet - total over 5.5 goals