The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Washington Capitals on Saturday night at Benchmark International Arena, marking the second of three games in their season series. Tampa Bay lost 3-2 in overtime to Washington on October 14, with goals from Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves in that contest.
The Lightning return home after a road trip to face the Capitals at 10 p.m. ET on November 8. Coverage will air on The Spot - Tampa Bay 66 for TV, 102.5 MHz-FM and Lightning Radio 24/7 for radio, and TampaBayLightning.com/Stream for online viewing.
Lines from Thursday's game, subject to change, include forwards Brandon Hagel centering Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov on the top line, Jake Guentzel with Anthony Cirelli, Oliver Bjorkstrand with Dominic James and Gage Goncalves, and Zemgus Girgensons with Yanni Gourde and Pontus Holmberg. On defense, pairings are Victor Hedman with JJ Moser, Ryan McDonagh with Erik Cernak, Charle-Edouard D'Astous with Emil Lilleberg, and Darren Raddysh. Goaltenders are Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson.
Tampa Bay holds a 50-78-16 all-time record against Washington, including 30-37-4 at home. Franchise leader Martin St. Louis recorded 29 goals and 50 assists for 79 points in 72 games versus the Capitals. Active Lightning leader Nikita Kucherov has 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 32 games. Vasilevskiy is 11-11-2 lifetime against Washington with a .903 save percentage, tying the franchise record for most wins at 11.
Last season, Tampa Bay went 2-1-0 against the Capitals. Brayden Point led the Lightning with 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points in three games, while Kucherov had 3 assists. Vasilevskiy posted a 2-1-0 record with a .929 save percentage and one shutout.
The series concludes November 22 at Capital One Arena in Washington. The Lightning will wear their 3rd jerseys for the home game. Upcoming schedule includes November 12 versus the New York Rangers, November 15 at the Florida Panthers, and November 16 versus the Vancouver Canucks.