It's difficult not to think offense with these two teams involved. But I'm projecting a lower-scoring game than anticipated in the opener of this Eastern Conference final.

Tampa Bay hasn't played in five days. It's going to take a while for the Lightning to rev up their offense and they need to be careful given the offensive firepower of Washington defenseman John Carlson.

The Lightning led the NHL in scoring averaging 3.5 goals per game. Tampa Bay, though, also has been playing outstanding defense giving up two goals or fewer in five of its last seven games.

When having ample rest - which is the case here - Andrei Vasilevskiy may be the best goalie in hockey. Vasilevskiy has been sharp in the playoffs with a 2.2 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. He had a .930 save percentage against Washington in three regular season games this season.

Vasilevskiy may not have to deal with Nicklas Backstrom either. The Capitals' star center is dealing with an upper body injury that prevented him from playing in the last game.

Goalie Braden Holtby has stepped up in the postseason for the Capitals giving up 2.04 goals per game. The Capitals haven't surrendered more than three goals per game during their last 10 games.