The Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the Washington Capitals tonight at 7:00 PM EST at Capital One Arena in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Lightning, holding a record of 11-7-2, are looking to build on their earlier victory against the Capitals, where they secured a 3-2 overtime win two weeks ago in Tampa.
Despite injuries affecting their lineup, with Ryan McDonagh and Victor Hedman still out, the Lightning have managed to find ways to succeed on the ice. Pontus Holmberg remains the only regular player still listed as questionable for tonight’s game. The defense, currently featuring some younger players who had not anticipated significant playing time at this level, will be tested against a Capitals team that is experiencing a resurgence in offense.
The Capitals, with a record of 11-8-2, have rebounded from two losses following their defeat to the Lightning, winning their last three games in impressive fashion. They showcased their offensive power in recent back-to-back games, achieving remarkable goal tallies of 7 and 8 against Edmonton and Montreal. This revitalized offensive play, paired with solid defensive efforts, could pose a serious challenge to the Lightning tonight.
As the two teams conclude their season series, currently tied at one game apiece, the spotlight also shines on Capitals’ star Alexander Ovechkin. The game may hold special significance, possibly being one of the last times he faces the Lightning. Ovechkin has amassed an impressive 51 goals and 46 points in 85 career games against Tampa Bay. If he scores three points tonight, he will become the third player to achieve 100 points against them, a feat he has accomplished against two other teams.
However, Ovechkin has struggled to find his scoring touch against the Lightning in recent encounters, recording just three points in the last ten meetings. His last multi-point game against them came in April 2022, and the last time he notched three or more points was in December 2015.
Both teams will be eager to take the better position in the Eastern Conference, making this matchup crucial. Fans can look forward to an engaging showdown filled with skill and intensity, reflecting both teams’ current forms. The game can be streamed via ESPN+ and heard on 102.5 FM as Tampa Bay continues its quest to solidify its standing while Washington aims to maintain its offensive momentum.