x

Already member? Login first!

Comments / New

2018 Stanley Cup playoffs: May 19 open thread

Through four games in the Eastern Conference Final, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals are tied 2-2. But just not in the way one would expect.

The road team has won all four games, with the Capitals taking a 2-0 series lead in Tampa, only to have the Lightning storm back into the series with two wins in Washington.

The Capitals are 7-1 on the road and 3-5 at home in the playoffs, while the Lightning are 0-4 at home and 5-1 on the road. That’s not exactly ideal with two of the three potential games left in the series Amalie Arena.

Tampa Bay must win at least one home game to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in three seasons. Game 5 is Saturday.

One key reason for Tampa Bay’s turnaround in the series is its special teams play. The Lightning have killed off seven straight penalties the past two games. That’s not bad for a team that ranked in the bottom five of the league during the regular season.

How to watch Saturday’s game:

Stanley Cup playoffs schedule

Matchup Series Time TV
Game 5: Washington at Vegas WSH 3-1 7 p.m. NBC

SB Nation sites to follow on Twitter:

Washington (@JapersRink) at Tampa Bay (@RawCharge)

Talking Points