TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING @ WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Friday, January 13th, 2011, 7:00PM US
(12:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

This is an easy pick for me, as Washington are at home against a team that can only be described as awful. Tampa Bay come here having lost their last 5 games, and are abysmal away from home, with a 6-18 record.

Tampa have serious problems with their defence. Dwayne Roloson has been giving up 3.76 goals, while Mathieu Garon has a 2.85GAA, both unimpressive. The offence has not helped either, with Tampa Bay scoring just 2.13 away from home.

Washington got blown out in 2 straight losses recently and then stopped that with a win in their last game as they beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0. Washington have been excellent on the Power Play in recent games, converting 40% of their chances over their last 5 games, which is bloody effective.

While Washington are scoring 24% of their PP chances at home, Tampa seem to be useless even when they have the man advantage, scoring on just 8.4% of their PP chances when travelling.

BETTING VERDICT

It's got to be Washington here for me, and I'll take them to win in regulation.

The Pick :

Washington Capitals

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the Washington Capitals -0.5 (Regulation) @ 1.88 (Pinnacle)