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Tampa Bay (11-7-2) at Washington (11-8-2)
- When: Nov 22 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
Tampa Bay vs Washington NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Washington -120
Spread: Washington -1.5 (+210)
Total: 6.0
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
Washington rolls into this matchup buzzing after dropping an 8 spot on Montreal, unloading seven goals over the final two periods. Alex Ovechkin turned back the clock with a four point night and another hat trick, pushing his season pace toward the 40 goal mark. Ethen Frank matched his production with four points of his own, while Dylan Strome somehow managed a three assist game while his wife delivered their third daughter back home.
Washington has won three straight and is starting to look more dangerous offensively, even if coach Spencer Carbery is trying to manage expectations for winger Aliaksei Protas, who has not rediscovered last year’s scoring form. The Caps are only average inside the Eastern Conference and their results against the Atlantic have been uneven, splitting two earlier games with Tampa.
The question now is whether the scoring surge travels back home and whether Washington can control pace in a much tighter matchup. Their defense has been good enough to win lately, but not always consistent. With Ovechkin heating up and the home crowd behind them, the Caps enter with momentum and a stylistic edge.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview
Tampa Bay just survived a grinder, edging Edmonton 2 1 in overtime behind a massive Andrei Vasilevskiy stop and a quick counterattack finished by Jake Guentzel. Nick Paul forced OT with a late goal, continuing his strong stretch of play, and Tampa kept McDavid and Draisaitl from taking over in the extra session.
The Lightning are 10 3 0 over their last 13, but the blue line depth is a real concern. Captain Victor Hedman was placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss multiple weeks, a blow to Tampa’s defensive structure. Ryan McDonagh and Pontus Holmberg remain out as well, with Erik Cernak day to day.
Tampa still has the firepower and elite goaltending to hang with anyone, but against a Washington team coming off an outburst and with its stars rolling, the margin for error shrinks significantly. Without Hedman, the defense will be tested shift after shift.
NHL Betting Edge & Prediction
Washington brings more stability, more offensive rhythm, and home ice. Tampa can absolutely steal this if Vasilevskiy stands on his head, but the defensive injuries tilt the matchup.
Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Lightning 3
Pick: Washington (-120)
Total: Over 6.0 (-105)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
