Game 2 of the First Round matchup between the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers is set to begin at 7:30 PM EST tonight on TBS from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette is expected to start Vitek Vanecek in goal for the Capitals, while Panthers head man Andrew Brunette is expected to start Sergei Bobrovsky in goal for the Panthers.
Florida comes into the game as -235 favorites with total goals sitting at a 6.5 O/U.
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Washington won the first game on Tuesday night by a score of 4-2 after a late rally in the third period. Florida took two out of three games against the Capitals during the regular season, but neither team had faced each other since November 30.
The Capitals had lost their last four heading into the playoffs, while also struggling down the stretch, losing three of their last four regular season games.
Key Injuries
Washington’s Tom Wilson is questionable with a lower-body injury after leaving Tuesday night’s game with a lower body injury.
Why Capitals Can Win
Washington has the momentum going into Game 2, even as the away team. They finished the season on a losing streak and needed to make a statement early in Game 1. While it came in the third period, they were able to finish the job and take the win.
That’s what a veteran team can do and the confidence is more than likely sky-high for the Capitals now. Having the best goal scorer in the game in Alex Ovechkin always means the Capitals have a chance to win the game. Peter Laviolette is also 41-22 ATS in road games after having lost 4 of their last 5 games.
Why Panthers Can Win
The Panthers have a chip on their shoulder heading into Game 2, as the last result they want is heading into Washington with a 2-0 series deficit. Florida was the highest-scoring team in the league and struggled to find the back of the net in Game 1.
Expect Florida to look better in tonight’s game. Overall, the team will more than likely skate better and find more scoring opportunities now that the series has been broken in. Both teams defensively ranked among the same in goals allowed during the regular season, so the slight edge would go to the better offense.
Bet To Take: Washington Capitals +200
