NHL Playoffs 2018: Game 2 TV Schedule, Prediction for Capitals vs. Lightning

The last time the Tampa Bay Lightning were down a game in the postseason, they reeled off four consecutive victories.

While the Washington Capitals are a different type of opponent than the Boston Bruins, whom Tampa Bay knocked off in the second round, Jon Cooper's team should carry some confidence into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final based off its recent experience.

Barry Trotz's Capitals took a 1-0 series lead Friday, as they scored the first four goals in a 4-2 victory at Amalie Arena.

With one road victory in their possession, the Capitals can play looser in Game 2, while the pressure is on Tampa Bay to level the series before it heads to Washington. 

Game 2 Information

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET 

TV: NBCSN 

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live or NBC Sports App

Washington Looking to Extend Strong Road Form 

Friday's victory was the Capitals' sixth on the road this postseason. They won three times in Columbus and twice in Pittsburgh in the first two rounds.

The win showed Washington was over the emotional high earned from finally knocking off the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was a concern heading into the Eastern Conference Final.

Washington thrived on the power play in Game 1, as Alexander Ovechkin and Lars Eller both found the back of the net with the man advantage.

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The Capitals also took away the Lightning's top offensive threats, holding Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos to three shots apiece over 60 minutes.

Now the task at hand for Washington is to replicate the Game 1 performance Sunday and take a 2-0 series advantage back home, where it could put the series away in Games 3 and 4. 

Tampa Bay is expected to put in a better three-period shift Sunday, which means the Capitals have to be on their toes from the start. 

Washington must find a way to keep Tampa Bay's offense quiet in the first period to keep the momentum on its side. 

If the Capitals play a defensive first period that ends scoreless, they should gain even more confidence and force the Lightning to press more. In that scenario, Washington should be able to capitalize on a mistake or two to get on the scoreboard, just like it did in Game 1.

Tampa Bay in Need of Better Performance in Game 2

By all accounts, the Lightning played one of their worst games of the postseason in Game 1, as giveaways and penalties helped the Capitals take control.

The good news for Cooper and Co. is they were in a similar situation in the second round versus Boston, as the Bruins scored six goals at Amalie Arena in Game 1.

Tampa Bay responded with a 4-2 victory in Game 2 and proceeded to win the next three contests to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

While the Lightning might not put together four wins in a row again, they are in need of a similar confidence boost given how poor they played in Game 1.

The response starts with Kucherov and Stamkos, who were the team's top scorers in the regular season and also the first two series in the postseason.

Mike Carlson/Getty Images

If the top producers in the Tampa Bay offense challenge Washington goalie Braden Holtby early and often, the home side should break through with an early tally.

In addition to putting consistent pressure on net, Tampa Bay's defense needs to tighten up against Ovechkin's line.

Look for Brayden Point to be the player who assists in that, as he did a nice job against Boston's top unit in the second round.

It's going to be difficult to earn the momentum in Game 2, but if the Lightning start strong and grab an early goal, Amalie Arena will be rocking for 60 minutes, and they should level the series.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 3, Washington 2

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.