Washington at Tampa Bay

Washington got off to a surprising 2-0 start in this series, but then the more talented team took charge as Tampa Bay won three in a row. The Capitals staved off elimination the last game with a 3-0 win at home, but this is a tough task going on the road for Game 7. Washington's defense was just #16 in goals allowed, #15 in penalty killing during the regular season and the team is 3-7 in Game 7 in the Ovechkin/Backstrom era. Washington is also 4-11 in Game 7s all-time, including 1-3 on the road. Tampa Bay has more depth and talent, tops in the NHL in goals scored, third on the power play, and #13 in goals allowed. Tampa Bay is 35-13-2 at home this season, plus 35-16 against a team with a winning record. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has turned aside 131-of-139 attempts while winning three of the last four contests. The Lightning eliminated New Jersey and Boston in five games apiece and are 43-17 when playing on one day of rest. Back home ice and the more talented team. Play Tampa Bay.