Capitals Aim for Victory Against Lightning in Tampa Showdown

TAMPA, Florida — The Washington Capitals are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena. This game comes after the Capitals opened their four-game road trip with a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

In that game, the Capitals struggled with their special teams, allowing two power-play goals from Sidney Crosby that put them in an early hole. Although they fought back to tie the game at 3-3 entering the third period, they could not secure a win, giving up a late goal to Bryan Rust.

“We’ve been great at 5-on-5 for the most part, but we can’t keep giving up goals on the kill,” said Dylan Strome. “It’s cost us games, and it felt like another one last night.”

The Capitals currently rank 27th in power-play success rate at 15.2% and 24th on the penalty kill at 72.7%. Coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the necessity of working on defensive structures and generating effective clears.

The Lightning, meanwhile, are coming off a successful three-game trip and look to continue their strong play at home. They aim to build on their recent victories, having won six of their last seven games.

“I’m not concerned about their power play percentage; we know what they can do,” Carbery stated, recognizing the Lightning’s offensive threats. “Limiting their opportunities is crucial.”

Despite their recent ups and downs, the Capitals secured their first win against the Lightning this season with a 3-2 overtime victory in Washington early on. They will need to replicate that success in Tampa to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference standings.

With Ethen Frank back in the lineup after injury, the Capitals are hopeful for a spark in their offensive performance as they pursue their eighth win of the season.