Tampa Bay (1-2-0) at Washington (2-1-0)
- When: Oct 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: ESPN
Tampa Bay vs Washington NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Washington -124
Spread: Washington -1.5 (+189)
Total: 6.0
Capitals: Ovi’s Still Firing and the Goalie’s Stealing Shows
The Washington Capitals return home riding the good vibes of a two-game winning streak, which in Capitals land feels like a parade compared to last season’s chaos. They survived Boston’s early-season reality check, bounced back against the Islanders, and then politely escorted the Rangers out of Madison Square Garden with a 1-0 shutout that felt more like a goalie clinic than a hockey game.
Charlie Lindgren turned into a brick wall with legs, stopping all 35 shots he faced to become the seventh goalie in franchise history to post a shutout in his season debut. He looked so sharp that the Rangers might still be filing missing puck reports. Anthony Beauvillier was the hero on the scoresheet, tipping in a missile from Alex Ovechkin, because of course Ovi’s still firing pucks hard enough to cause insurance claims.
Head coach Spencer Carbery summed it up best: “Sometimes you’ve just got to find ways to win.” Translation: thank Lindgren, buy him dinner, and don’t touch anything that’s working.
Washington’s penalty kill finally remembered how to play hockey, shutting down both of New York’s power plays after looking like a fire drill the previous week. The team’s energy is trending up, Ovechkin is inching closer to 900 career goals, and the home crowd should be fired up for the start of a four-game stretch at Capital One Arena.
Lightning: Bolts Trying to Get Their Spark Back
Tampa Bay is also coming in hot after finally cracking the win column, snapping a two-game funk with a 4-3 win over Boston. Anthony Cirelli went full cheat code with two goals, while his linemates Jake Guentzel and Gage Goncalves played like they were auditioning for the Harlem Globetrotters on skates.
Head coach Jon Cooper liked the compete level but reminded everyone they’re still ironing out a few “losing habits.” Translation: stop blowing third-period leads, and maybe block a few shots without flinching. The Bolts’ penalty kill was lights out, going 5-for-5, including a clutch stand in the final seconds to protect the lead.
If Tampa can carry that energy north to D.C., this could turn into a barnburner.
Prediction
Both teams come in feeling good, but Washington’s home ice and balanced attack give them the slight edge. Tampa will bring some punch early, but Lindgren’s confidence and Ovechkin’s inevitable goal-scoring obsession could be the difference.
Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Lightning 2
Pick: Washington (-124)
Total: Over 5.5 (-145)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
