The Washington Capitals are in must win mode against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Wagering: 1.888.238.8018 - 1.888.889.4313
Customer Service: 1.877.717.7747 - 1.888.889.4368

: 1.888.238.8198 - 1.888.889.4312
: 1.888.378.0888 - 1.888.889.4219

The Washington Capitals are in must win mode against the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have an impressive two game lead over the Washington Capitals after winning two road games.

Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin scored for the Caps, who tied it with a little more than a minute left to force overtime. But a botched line change opened the door for the Lightning to get the game-winning goal in Game 2 and take a 2-0 series lead.

The Lightning killed off all six Washington power plays in Game 2 and have killed off 45 of 46 penalties against in nine playoff games to date.

The Caps went 0-for-6 in extra-man situations in Game 2 and are 0-for-11 in the series. That's been a problem all season and continues to bother the Caps.

But when the Caps go to Tampa for Game 3 (and Game 4 the next night), they've got to find a way to score -- especially on the power play.

If they can't do that, however, the Caps have to figure out a way to beat goalie Dwayne Roloson. The 41-year-old netminder has given up just four goals in the first two games.

The Lightning are an aggressive team on defense and do a solid job of breaking up plays in their own zone. They won't let the Caps set up and pass and move the puck side to side.

They come out and block passing lanes and throw the puck out of the zone. That's one reason the Caps are having so much trouble -- they can't get the power play set up.

The power play used to be the Caps' secret weapon. Now it's turned into their Achilles' heel. They've got to figure something out quickly or this series is going to be over soon.

This series is over as Tampa Bay will put the finishing touches on the Capitals in game three.

Hockey Picks: Tampa Bay Lightning

Bet the NHL Playoffs at BetPhoenix This online sportsbook has the best odds and wagering opportunities in the NHL playoffs on the road to the Stanley Cup.