Hold onto your hats, Capitals fans! Tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Capital One Arena is shaping up to be a nail-biter. After a weekend of travel, the Washington Capitals are back on home ice, aiming for their third consecutive win. But, they're facing a formidable opponent – the Tampa Bay Lightning, known for their consistent excellence. The Lightning, currently with a 1-2-0 record, are eager to improve their standing. The Capitals had a day off on Monday, while Tampa Bay played last night, adding an interesting dynamic to the matchup.
Unfortunately, the Capitals will be without Pierre-Luc Dubois due to a lower-body injury sustained against the New York Rangers on Sunday. But here's where it gets controversial... Despite Charlie Lindgren's impressive 35-save shutout against the Rangers, Logan Thompson is back in the net. He'll be facing off against Andrei Vasilevskiy, making for a thrilling goaltending battle.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Monumental Sports Network and ESPN. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin will be on the call for MNST.
Here are the projected lines for both teams:
Washington Capitals:
* Ovechkin
* Strome
* Beauvillier
* Protas
* McMichael
* Wilson
* Milano
* Lapierre
* Leonard
* Duhaime
* Dowd
* Sourdif
* Fehervary
* Carlson
* Sandin
* Roy
* Chychrun
* TVR
* Thompson
* Lindgren
Tampa Bay Lightning:
* Hagel
* Point
* Kucherov
* Guentzel
* Cirelli
* Goncalves
* Holmberg
* Gourde
* Bjorkstrand
* Chaffee
* Geekie
* Douglas
* Hedman
* Moser
* McDonagh
* Cernak
* Lilleberg
* Crozier
* Vasilevskiy
* Johansson
1st Period:
The puck is dropped, and the game is underway! Ovechkin-Strome-Beauvillier & Chychrun-TVR get the start. Ovechkin takes the Capitals' first shot on goal, but Vasilevskiy easily deflects it. Hagel gets a great chance, but Thompson makes a crucial save. Unfortunately, the Capitals' fourth line gets scored on. Guentzel scores from the right side, thanks to a great pass from McDonagh.
🚨 1-0 Tampa Bay Lightning
Goal: Jake Guentzel (1). Assists: R. McDonagh (1), A. Cirelli (1). Time: 07:06
Hagel gets a semi-breakaway, but Thompson comes up big again! The Capitals go on their first power play after Kucherov hooks Strome at 13:58. But, they fail to capitalize. Sourdif is stopped on a breakaway. Chychrun and Gourde get into a tussle near the end of the period.
At intermission, the Lightning lead in shots 8 to 7. The teams are tied in 5-on-5 shot attempts, but the Lightning have a significant lead in expected goals, 1.00 to 0.29. Logan Thompson is keeping the Capitals in the game.
2nd Period:
The second period begins. Within seconds, Leonard hits the post, and Hagel hits the post. Ovechkin nearly redirects a shot, but Vasilevskiy makes a great save. Dowd gets checked, and Lilleberg is called for tripping at 6:18, giving the Capitals another power play. Another disappointing power play for the Caps. Guentzel nearly scores. Thompson continues to make incredible saves. Wilson lays a big hit on Moser. Moser and Fehervary get into a mix. Leonard can't score on a 3-on-1, but then Protas scores!
🚨 1-1 tie
Goal: Aliaksei Protas (3). Assists: C. McMichael (1), T. Wilson (2). Time: 17:38
Ovechkin gets a penalty for a slash at 19:26. What do you think about that call?
And this is the part most people miss... The game is far from over, and the Capitals have a lot to prove. What are your thoughts on the game so far? Share your opinions in the comments below! Do you agree with the calls? What adjustments should the Capitals make? Let's discuss! Refresh for live updates during the game. The thread will be closed shortly after the game is completed.
