Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals Prediction, Odds, NHL Picks [12/23/2023]

NHL action continues on Saturday at 7:00PM ET as the Tampa Bay Lightning square off with the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena.

Dimers.com's full betting preview for Saturday's Lightning vs. Capitals matchup includes the latest betting odds, as well as our predictions and picks for the game.

Lightning vs. Capitals Prediction: Who Will Win, Cover the Spread

We have used trusted machine learning and statistics to simulate the result of Saturday's NHL game between the Lightning and Capitals 10,000 times, in line with our coverage of NHL picks.

Our popular predictive analytics model currently gives the Lightning a 56% chance of defeating the Capitals.

According to our model, the Capitals (+1.5) have a 66% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal Over/Under has a 54% chance of going under.

To make the most of today's Tampa Bay vs. Washington betting preview, check out the best sportsbook promos currently available in your state.

Lightning vs. Capitals Odds

We have sourced the best betting odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Lightning	Capitals
Puck Line	-1.5 (+170)	+1.5 (-190)
Moneyline	-140	+125
Total	o6.5 (+104)	u6.5 (-115)

• The Capitals are currently +1.5 underdogs versus the Lightning, with -190 at BetMGM Sportsbook the best odds currently available.
• For the favored Lightning (-1.5) to cover the puck line, DraftKings Sportsbook has the best odds currently on the market at +170.
• FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the best moneyline odds for the Capitals at +125, which means you can bet $100 to profit $125, earning a total payout of $225, if they win.
• Meanwhile, DraftKings currently has the best moneyline odds for the Lightning at -140, where you can risk $140 to win $100 for a total payout of $240 if they come out on top.
• The Over/Under for total goals scored is set at 6.5 with FanDuel, which currently has the best odds for the Over at +104, while BetMGM currently has the best odds for the Under at -115.

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

As always, make sure you check all of the sportsbooks that are available in your state for the best NHL odds and lines.

Lightning vs. Capitals Picks

By comparing our predictions to the odds listed above, we have determined the best betting picks to make on this game:

Bet Type	Our Pick	Best Odds
Puck Line	Capitals +1.5	-190
Moneyline	Capitals	+125
Total	Under 6.5	-115

While the Lightning are more likely to win the game, taking the Capitals moneyline is the best option because of the edge identified when comparing our data-led probabilities to the sportsbooks' odds currently on offer.

Taking advantage of the edges published here at Dimers is crucial to achieving long-term profitability as a bettor.

Dimers' NHL best bets are based on world-class simulations and wagering expertise to bring you the best possible plays every time.

Lightning vs. Capitals Player Props

Who will score the first goal in Lightning vs. Capitals?

According to our model, Tampa Bay's Brayden Point is most likely to score the first goal in Lightning vs. Capitals.

Our projections give Point a 9.4% chance of scoring the first goal at Capital One Arena, while the Lightning star is a 41.3% chance of registering an anytime goal.

First Goal Scorer Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	First Goal Probability
Brayden Point	9.4%
Nikita Kucherov	6.9%
Steven Stamkos	6.3%
Brandon Hagel	5.1%
Nick Paul	4.2%

Washington Capitals

Player	First Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	7.3%
Tom Wilson	5.6%
Dylan Strome	5.5%
Nic Dowd	4.0%
Evgeny Kuznetsov	3.8%

Anytime Goal Scorer Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Brayden Point	41.3%
Nikita Kucherov	36.2%
Steven Stamkos	33.9%
Brandon Hagel	29.1%
Nick Paul	24.1%

Washington Capitals

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	36.9%
Dylan Strome	29.9%
Tom Wilson	27.9%
Nic Dowd	21.3%
Anthony Mantha	20.4%
Remember, our model updates regularly, so refresh this article for any changes to our betting analysis ahead of the Lightning vs. Capitals on Saturday December 23, 2023.

Lightning vs. Capitals Game Information

Saturday's game between the Capitals and Lightning at Capital One Arena is scheduled to start at 7:00PM ET.

• Who: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals
• Date: Saturday December 23, 2023
• Time: 7:00PM ET / 4:00PM PT
• Venue: Capital One Arena

Our full betting coverage of Lightning vs. Capitals includes pregame predictions, betting picks, and live win probabilities.

How to Bet on Lightning vs. Capitals

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Conclusion

This preview article has been partially generated using automated processes and AI technology. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate updates on Saturday's Lightning vs. Capitals matchup, and automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting. Human editing and quality control are performed to ensure the content meets our editorial guidelines.

Dimers' picks and predictions are based on 10,000 simulations per game, using reliable and up-to-date data sources and analytical methods. While our Lightning vs. Capitals predictions can help you make informed decisions, it's important that you gamble responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively.

For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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