HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Can the Lightning make it a series against the Capitals?

No

Depends if they feel like playing. Both games were total slop fests, especially the first 2-3minutes of each game.

Tonight is a 100% must-win.

Statistically, it is over.

You don't lose 2-0 on home ice and come back and win. It can happen, but the probability is astronomically against it. I'd put Tampa's chances of winning somewhere next to Vegas repeating their success next year - minute but not impossible.

Tampa certainly has the skill and depth to climb back into this series but I can't see them winning 4 of 5 games against the Caps.

Statistically, it is over.

You don't lose 2-0 on home ice and come back and win. It can happen, but the probability is astronomically against it. I'd put Tampa's chances of winning somewhere next to Vegas repeating their success next year - minute but not impossible.

Forgot to set your alarm again Jimmy?

Make it a series? Yep.
Win it? Doubtful.


Put themselves into way too big of a hole with sloppy play, a lack of energy and they really got away from their excellent boardwork and forecheck that carried them past the Devils and Bruins.

Really baffling to see, to be honest. These guys know how to play, they know their strengths but seemingly forgot about it all.

Good on the Caps for taking advantage of the fugue the Bolts seem to be under currently.

Turn out the lights Tampa, the party is over!

Turn out the lights Tampa, the party is over!
- Crushers68

When you put that many ex-Rangers on the team it's like a blueprint for not winning the cup. Even with all their own talent you can't overcome that type of an anchor.

Last I checked Washington until recently has had problems closing out series. Tampa Bay is still in this.

Whoever wins tonight, wins this series.

If lightning turn the tide, watch out.

I did say "If"

Statistically, it is over.

You don't lose 2-0 on home ice and come back and win. It can happen, but the probability is astronomically against it. I'd put Tampa's chances of winning somewhere next to Vegas repeating their success next year - minute but not impossible.
- james_tanner1

Especially with the Capitals accomplishing the feat already this postseason...I mean, probability says it might happen once in a while but definitely not twice in a post season.

f mark paul.

Must win tonight. Simple as that.

Especially with the Capitals accomplishing the feat already this postseason...I mean, probability says it might happen once in a while but definitely not twice in a post season.
- climbdenali12

They have to win four of five with three of the first four games in Washington. It's not impossible, they have a great team, but I feel like the Capitals - their core at least - has been through this so many times before that they're not going to let up. I fully expect Ovechkin to be an animal - One of the very best players in NHL history is two games away from being able to completely change his legacy and I think he can personally win two games himself here if necessary.

God knows I've been wrong before, but I think Tampa is done.

Mark Paul - " The Capitals don't have the depth to beat Tampa Bay in four straight or even four of five. "

Yes they don't have the depth...as they stole 2 games in Tampa without their best center and arguably their best player not named Ovechkin.

Personally, I'm pulling for Ovie and the Caps, but I think tonight's game is a very crucial moment for them. If they lose, I can see them collapsing and losing in 7 games. If they win, I think they take it in 4.

Go Wings Go! (currently on the 15th hole shooting 6 under).

They have to win four of five with three of the first four games in Washington. It's not impossible, they have a great team, but I feel like the Capitals - their core at least - has been through this so many times before that they're not going to let up. I fully expect Ovechkin to be an animal - One of the very best players in NHL history is two games away from being able to completely change his legacy and I think he can personally win two games himself here if necessary.

God knows I've been wrong before, but I think Tampa is done.
- james_tanner1

Washington just did this exact thing in the first round. I would say the chances are not the best but the Bolts are good enough to do it.

But this comes down to tonight. The Lightning must win, if they do win we can reanalyze this series again tomorrow. If they lose then I think its pretty much over for the Bolts.

When you put that many ex-Rangers on the team it's like a blueprint for not winning the cup. Even with all their own talent you can't overcome that type of an anchor.
- Queenie_5_hole

Like the "Mush" from "A Bronx Tale"!

They have to win four of five with three of the first four games in Washington. It's not impossible, they have a great team, but I feel like the Capitals - their core at least - has been through this so many times before that they're not going to let up. I fully expect Ovechkin to be an animal - One of the very best players in NHL history is two games away from being able to completely change his legacy and I think he can personally win two games himself here if necessary.

God knows I've been wrong before, but I think Tampa is done.
- james_tanner1

First let me say that i think We are done as well, but just an interesting stat i heard regarding the Caps and 2-0 leads. Life time they are 5-6 with that lead, dont know what the Home/Away situation was regarding that stat or the if that is the most up to date record but its an interesting stat that the capitals have a losing series record when obtaining a 2-0 lead to start a series. While i dont think the Caps are poised for another collapse like seasons past, you definitely cant rule it out because history does tend to repeat itself.

Statistically, it is over.

You don't lose 2-0 on home ice and come back and win. It can happen, but the probability is astronomically against it. I'd put Tampa's chances of winning somewhere next to Vegas repeating their success next year - minute but not impossible.
- james_tanner1

WTF are you talking about....The CAPS just did the exact same thing a few weeks ago!!!!!

WTF are you talking about....The CAPS just did the exact same thing a few weeks ago!!!!!
- rrentz

Yeah but....Aliens!

Tampa can get back in it, but hard to say whether they are likely to do so. They weren't the victim of lucky bounces or poor calls in the first two games, those weren't close games. Now they've got to not only win some road games here, but do so against a team that has had firm control of the series so far.

They have to win four of five with three of the first four games in Washington. It's not impossible, they have a great team, but I feel like the Capitals - their core at least - has been through this so many times before that they're not going to let up. I fully expect Ovechkin to be an animal - One of the very best players in NHL history is two games away from being able to completely change his legacy and I think he can personally win two games himself here if necessary.

God knows I've been wrong before, but I think Tampa is done.
- james_tanner1

It's not just god who knows that

Especially with the Capitals accomplishing the feat already this postseason...I mean, probability says it might happen once in a while but definitely not twice in a post season.
- climbdenali12

I still stand by my Tampa in 5 prediction...