The top seed in the Eastern Conference is facing a virtual must-win situation on Tuesday night when the Washington Capitals take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of their best-of-seven second round series at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The Capitals finished the regular season with the best record in the East, but it hasn’t helped them against the fifth-seeded Lightning. Tampa Bay grabbed a 2-0 series lead with a 3-2 win in overtime on a goal by Vincent Lecavalier on Sunday, as it cashed as +175 underdogs at Verizon Center.

Oddsmakers at betED.com have the Bolts as a -110 pick ‘em for Game 3, while the total is set at 5. On the series prices board, Tampa Bay is now a -340 favorite, with Washington set at +280 to advance to the East final.

The Capitals outplayed the Lightning in Game 2, but it wasn’t enough. Washington outshot Tampa Bay 37-23 on Sunday, but veteran netminder Dwayne Roloson stood his ground to give the Lightning a commanding series lead.

Simon Gagne and Pavel Kubina both sat out in Game 2 because of head injuries, and are listed as questionable for Game 3. Steve Downie (ankle) is probable for Tampa Bay, while Dennis Wideman (leg) remains questionable for Washington.

The teams have split eight meetings this season, although the Caps are 2-1 against the moneyline at the Forum, including a 2-1 shootout victory as +120 pups there on March 7.

Game 4 between Tampa Bay and Washington is scheduled for Wednesday night.

Over in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks have a series on their hands against the Nashville Predators. The set is knotted at a game apiece with Game 3 slated for Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.

The Canucks are priced as -125 chalk at betED.com for Game 3, while the Predators are +105 underdogs after winning 2-1 as +190 pups in double overtime in Game 2 last Saturday night. The total is set at 5.

Vancouver remains a sizable -200 fave to win the series outright, but Nashville (+170) is an intriguing wager after taking home ice advantage. The Preds are one of the sharpest home bets in the playoffs, although bettors should note the Canucks (-110) defeated them 3-1 in the previous meeting at Bridgestone Arena on March 29.

Like the Capitals, the Detroit Red Wings have their backs against the wall as they get set to hop over the boards against the San Jose Sharks in Game 3 of their West semifinal series on Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings do have the advantage of playing at home, however, and they’ll need the upper hand against a Sharks team that’s held them to two total goals in taking a 2-0 lead in the series.