Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals Game 2 Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals host the Boston Bruins on Monday night for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. It was the Capitals that came away with a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday night, and they now look to take a commanding series lead.

Boston has now lost four of their last six games dating back to the regular season, and they need to find a way to turn things around in a hurry. The Bruins have been in this position before, and they have proven that they can get back into the series.

Washington has won five of their last six games, including two straight wins over the Bruins. The Capitals know the value of home-ice advantage in the playoffs, and a loss would give that edge back to Boston.

The Boston Bruins are the betting favorites at -134 in Game 2 of the series.

Boston Must Find Scoring

If the Boston Bruins are going to claw their way back into this series, then they are going to have to find a way to put pucks in the back of the net. Scoring two goals just simply won’t get the job done, and the Bruins need to find a way to provide Brad Marchand with some help.

Marchand led the team with 29 goals and 40 assists during the regular season, but the Capitals won’t allow the Bruins leader to get going. Boston did convert on nearly 22 percent of their chances on the power play, and that could provide an offensive spark.

Tuukka Rask stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced in the series opener, but he will be asked to carry the Bruins until the offense can get things rolling.

Capitals Controlling the Puck

The Washington Capitals averaged more than 3.3 goals per game during the regular season, and they typically want to play a wide-open style of hockey. Washington was able to transform their system in the series opener and control the puck to frustrate Boston.

Nic Dowd scored the game-winning goal in the series opener, but it was T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson that really carried the offense. Wilson had a goal and an assist, while Oshie led the team with two assists to set up the offense.

Goaltender Craig Anderson was forced into action on Saturday night, and all he did was stop 21 of the 22 shots he faced. Washington will need more solid play from Anderson moving forward.

Capitals Take Commanding Lead

Boston will be desperate on Monday night, and that should lead to a much better all-around effort. The Bruins just could not get any offense going in Game 1 of the series, and they will be forced to take some chances in Game 2.

Washington wants to score goals, but they were able to dominate the puck in the series opener. Look for the Capitals to employ the same strategy in this game, but they will also be able to break through for some more offense.

Expect another tight contest between these rivals, but playing at home will give the Capitals the edge to take a 2-0 series lead. Bet the Washington Capitals over the Boston Bruins in Game 2 of this East Division playoff series.

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