Lightning Look for Answers Against Capitals at Amalie
Washington arrives with confidence from a road win; Tampa needs cleaner defense and a reset on the man advantage.
Written before the game
Tampa needs a response on home ice, and Washington looks dangerous after opening with a confident road win. The standings say it early: WSH sits sixth in the East while TBL is at the bottom of the conference, and this one can steady the Lightning’s start or keep the Capitals rolling.
The numbers back the vibe. Tampa gave up chances worth about 4.72 expected goals against in its opener — that’s the leak to plug. Washington created about 2.72 expected goals for, enough to punish loose gaps if they reappear. Early tell for fans: if the Lightning keep Washington to harmless looks and deny second chances in the slot, the fix is taking hold; if the Capitals turn rushes into clean chances, it’s more of the same.
Special teams could swing it. Tampa’s power play didn’t cash last time out. Hidden take: Logan Thompson’s steady opener versus Andrei Vasilevskiy’s bounce‑back bid makes the quieter crease early the edge to watch.