In the central match of the game day, the current champion, Tampa Bay, will go to visit Washington. The start of the game of these teams is scheduled for October 16 at 02:00 Moscow time. Our portal has prepared its forecast for this confrontation for you.
Washington Capitals
The entire offseason was spent on extending Ovechkin and other important players. The lack of free money does not allow the team to properly strengthen the squad, and the former leaders are getting older every year and are not getting stronger. Now Washington no longer looks like a contender for the title, even though it should go to the playoffs due to experience and individual skill. Now the team gives out a series of victories and shows good attacking hockey, having beaten Rangers with a score of 5:1 at the start.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Many important players lost the Lightning in the offseason, which significantly weakened the depth of the squad, and undermined reliability and safety margin. But we managed to keep all our leaders and rejuvenate a little. Still, Tampa Bay will once again be one of the main favorites of the season. However, the lightning started extremely unsuccessfully, losing outrageously at home to Pittsburgh with a score of 2:6, after which they were able to beat the modest Detroit only in overtime.
Injuries and disqualifications:
- Injuries:
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Washington - Backstrom (hip injury).
Tampa Bay - Gaborik (back injury), Seabrook (shoulder injury), Foote (finger injury).
Statistics and figures
- The last match between these teams ended with a 3-2 victory for Tampa Bay.
- Tampa Bay has lost only twice in its last five games.
- Washington has an excellent streak of three consecutive victories.
Forecast
It is difficult to single out a favorite in this match, because both teams have strong lineups. Washington has been issuing a series of victories lately. In turn, Tampa Bay alternates wins and losses without having stability. Both teams are aiming to play offensively, so we should expect a lot of abandoned pucks.