Game information/links
Game preview
The Washington Capitals are ready to get right back on the ice after a successful opening to their 2026-27 regular season.
After downing the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Friday night, the Capitals immediately flew further south to Tampa Bay, where they’ll meet another Eastern Conference juggernaut in the Lightning. The Lightning dropped their first game of the season 5-1 to the New York Rangers on Thursday and are hosting their Home Opener on Saturday night.
The game will be another chance for the new-look Capitals to make an early statement against one of the NHL’s top squads, and it will also be the first time they face franchise great John Carlson since he was traded at last year’s deadline. Carlson, who went to the Anaheim Ducks via trade last March, signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Lightning on the first day of free agency in July.
Puck drop against the Lightning is shortly after 7 pm. Follow along below for live updates, highlights, analysis, and all of our assorted observations from the game. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have the call on Monumental Sports Network. How to watch.
Must-read RMNB content
- Capitals players react to playing against John Carlson for the first time
- Alex Ovechkin played a career-low of ice time in the win over Carolina
- Alex Tuch had a fantastic, two-goal debut for the Capitals
- The Hershey Bears have named their new leadership group
- RMNB’s season primer if you missed it on Friday
- All of the numbers from Washington’s first win
- Here’s how to watch Capitals games without cable
Lines
Washington Capitals
Tampa Bay Lightning
Goaltending matchup
Tunnel shenanigans
1st Period
Puck is dropped.
A little bit of a breakdown in Washington’s defensive zone, and Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous steps into a shot and beats Charlie Lindgren for an early marker.
1-0 Tampa Bay Lightning
Goal: Charle-Edouard D'Astous (1). Assists: B. Hagel (1), E. Lilleberg (1). Time: 2:25
Lindgren is under siege to start the game as the Lightning have some early jump in their home opener.
Brandon Hagel walks Vincent Desharnais, but is stuffed by Lindgren at the front of the net.
Penalty kill
Justin Sourdif holding penalty at 8:35
Capitals kill off the Lightning power play after holding on for dear life. Tampa Bay is up 9-2 in shots on goal.
Nikita Kucherov rips off Alex Ovechkin but fires wide to Lindgren’s stick side.
Tampa Bay keeps up the pressure, and this time Conor Geekie finds paydirt, slamming home a one-timer off a pass from Hagel.
2-0 Tampa Bay Lightning
Goal: Conor Geekie (1). Assists: B. Hagel (2), J. Guentzel (1). Time: 16:30
Power play
Ryan McDonagh holding penalty at 18:02
Not much to talk about on the Capitals’ first power-play chance of the game. They’ll start the second period still up a man for two seconds.
At intermission: Pretty much the opposite of last night’s first period. The Lightning are crushing the Capitals, up 14-4 in shots on goal after 20 minutes.
2nd Period
Puck is dropped.
Penalty kill
Aliaksei Protas tripping penalty at 2:43
Matt Roy has Andrei Vasilevskiy beat, but rings the puck off the post.
Justin Sourdif redirects home a Jakob Chychrun slap pass to get the Capitals on the board.
2-1 Tampa Bay Lightning
Goal: Justin Sourdif (1). Assists: J. Chychrun (2), B. Jenner (1). Time: 7:03
According to Craig Laughlin, someone just proposed on the kiss cam, and their proposal was accepted. Important update.
Vincent Desharnais and Emil Lilleberg drop the gloves. First fight of the season for the Capitals.
Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson throw back-to-back big hits. The Lightning home crowd is displeased with the officiating.
Now, Jakob Chychrun is getting into it with Pontus Holmberg. They’re both headed to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Capitals put late pressure on, but nothing that really gave Vasilevskiy trouble.
At intermission: Washington isn’t generating enough looks or chances. They look tired. Tampa Bay ends 40 minutes of regulation with a 21-12 shot advantage.
3rd Period
Puck is dropped.
Tom Wilson and Zemgus Girgensons immediately take matching roughing minor penalties.
Matt Roy is out for the remainder of the game after suffering a lower-body injury.
Alex Tuch fires wide on a 3-on-1 chance after Lindgren makes a stop at the other end.
The Capitals are pushing for the game-tying goal. Jakob Chychrun, Justin Sourdif, and Ryan Leonard get good chances, but none get past Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Power play
Brayden Point holding penalty at 8:57
Cole Hutson walks down into the high slot, but his shot is blocked before it gets to Vasilevskiy.
Alex Ovechkin makes a phenomenal pass, but Vasilevskiy stops Tom Wilson’s low-tip attempt. Power play over.
Vincent Desharnais turns the puck over and forces Charlie Lindgren into a sliding save with Tampa Bay on a 3-on-2 rush.
Penalty kill
Martin Fehervary roughing penalty at 12:56
Girgensons gets a half-break, but Lindgren stuffs him, and he bowls over the goaltender on his way through the crease. No call.
Ryan Leonard draws two blatant penalties, and neither gets called. Lindgren has been pulled for the extra attacker.
Jake Guentzel breaks away and gently slides the puck into an empty net.
3-1 Tampa Bay Lightning
Goal: Jake Guentzel (1). Assists: N. Kucherov (1), J. Carlson (1). Time: 17:55
Tom Wilson receives a 10-minute misconduct, likely for speaking poorly to the officials.
Washington pulled Lindgren again and had a bunch of chances, but nothing could beat Vasilevskiy.
Capitals lose 3-1. The Lightning outshoot them 30-20.
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