The Capitals carry a five-game winning streak into Tampa.
The Washington Capitals have started the year as one of the NHL's top teams, and they'll look to keep it rolling as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Washington has won five straight games, while Tampa is 4-3 to start the season.
Here's everything to know before puck drop at 7 p.m. at Amalie Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
Don't expect much to change for the Capitals, as all four forward lines and three defensive pairings have clicked well together since that season opener.
Matt Roy remains out with a lower-body injury and did not make the trip to Tampa, but he has been skating on his own, which is a positive sign.
Charlie Lindgren will start as the team continues to alternate netminders to open the season.
Here are the lines:
Aliaksei Protas-Dylan Strome-Alex Ovechkin
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Jakub Vrana-Hendrix Lapierre-Andrew Mangiapane
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Jakob Chychrun-John Carlson
Martin Fehervary-Dylan McIlrath
Rasmus Sandin-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Charlie Lindgren
Logan Thompson
Washington Capitals Stats
- Dylan Strome is on a six-game point streak to open the season and leads D.C. in scoring with nine points so far.
- Connor McMichael is on a four-game point streak and has eight points through six games, finding the scoresheet in all but one matchup so far.
- Nic Dowd has points in back-to-back games as the fourth line continues to find success together.
- Jakob Chychrun has points in two of his last three games.
- The power play has gone 0-for-15 over the last four games and ranks third-worst in the league, even though Washington averages the third-most goals per game.
Washington Capitals Players & Storylines To Watch
- Pierre-Luc Dubois is coming off a three-point night and continues to be an impact player for the Capitals, so look for him to keep the momentum going.
- Alex Ovechkin, who scored his 855th career goal on Wednesday, has scored against Tampa 50 times in his career, tied for the most he has against any other team (Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers). He has totalled 96 points in 81 games against the Lightning, so keep an eye on him.
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