Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals: Game 78 Time: 7:00 pm Eastern Time Location: Amalie Arena Broadcast/Streaming: NHLN, Fox Sports Sun Opponent SBNation Site: Japers’ Rink Regular season stats: Tampa Bay Lightning (5-3-1, 9 points) Goals For (Per Game): 32 (3.56) Goals Against (Per Game): 29 (3.22) PP%: 24.00% (10th) PK%: 70.97% (27th) CF%: 48.0% (24th) Nashville Predators (6-3-1, 13 points) Goals For (Per Game): 42 (4.20) Goals Against (Per Game): 32 (3.20) PP%: 19.44% (16th) PK%: 70.97% (28th) CF%: 50.9% (11th) All statistics from Hockey Reference and Natural Stat Trick. Preview The Tampa Bay Lightning return to the ice after a four-day break. Their next opponent is the Washington Capitals and this will be the third meeting between the teams over the last two weeks. The Lightning have won both games so far, but neither was easy. Andrei Vasilevskiy needed to set a new team record for most saves in a single game to get a win in the last game. The Caps secured a playoff spot after a win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday and are now sitting three points ahead of the New York Islanders in the Metropolitan division. They’ve posted a 6-3-1 record in the last 10 games. If things stays the same, they will remain at the top of the Metropolitan Division and will face the team from the first wild-cars spot, which is currently occupied by Canes. T.J. Oshie missed the last game due to illness but returned to practice on Friday morning and will play against the Bolts tonight. Michal Kempny was injured in the first game between these two teams and has not returned. The Czech defenceman has been diagnosed with a lower body injury and is out indefinitely. According to some reports, he will miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs. The Lightning’s blueline also isn’t complete. Anton Stralman participated in the last practice, but as Jon Cooper said, he probably won’t play tonight. However, he is expected to return on the road trip. Dan Girardi is still out indefinitely, but there’s hope that he’ll back in the playoffs. Ondrej Palat also practiced yesterday and very likely is going to play against the Capitals. Yanni Gourde is also returning to the lineup after missing the last two games due to suspension. This is the last game at Amalie Arena in the regular season. The rest of the regular season will be spent on the road. The Lightning still have a chance to reach the 130 points mark, they need to win at least four of the five remaining games. Tampa Bay Lightning Forwards Ondrej Palat - Steven Stamkos - J.T. Miller Tyler Johnson - Brayden Point - Nikita Kucherov Alex Killorn - Anthony Cirelli - Mathieu Joseph Adam Erne - Cedric Paquette - Yanni Gourde Scratched: Danick Martel, Ryan Callahan Defense Victor Hedman - Mikhail Sergachev Ryan McDonagh - Eric Cernak Braydon Coburn - Jan Rutta Injuries: Anton Stralman, Dan Girardi Scratched: Cameron Gaunce Goalies Andrei Vasilevskiy Louis Domingue Washington Capitals Forwards Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - Tom Wilson Jakub Vrana - Evgeny Kuznetsov - T.J. Oshie Carl Hagelin - Lars Eller - Brett Connolly Andre Burakovsky - Chandler Stephenson - Travis Boyd Defense Christian Djoos - John Carlson Dmitry Orlov - Matt Niskanen Brooks Orpik - Nick Jensen Injuried: Michal Kempny Goalies Braden Holtby Pheonix Copley<doc-sep>WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: Alex Killorn #17 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the puck against Nick Jensen #3 of the Washington Capitals in the second period at Capital One Arena on March 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) As the Lightning celebrate Fan Appreciation Night at Amalie Arena on their regular season home finale, they also have a big contest ahead of them on the ice as the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals come into town. This is the Lightning and Capitals third and final meeting of this season as the Lightning have won both of the previous matchups, the first one being a 6-3 win that featured a huge showing by Alex Killorn who scored a hat trick in the game. The other matchup was a 5-4 Bolts victory in overtime, as Victor Hedman was the hero in extra action. The Lightning will have fresh legs tonight, as their last game came on Monday night against the Boston Bruins. The Bolts came back in that game winning it 5-4. Before their loss to the Blues last Saturday, the Lightning rode a seven-game winning streak. They have won eight of there last nine games. The Capitals come in off a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes and are riding a three-game winning streak. Only three points ahead of the New York Islanders for first in the Metropolitan Division, every game is crucial for the Caps as they want home ice advantage in the first and second rounds. Tampa Bay looks to set a new record tonight, as they would beat their team record of 32 home wins from 2014-2015 season with a win tonight. They would also tie the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens for second most wins in a season with 60. Ondrej Palat is expected to make his return from an upper-body injury tonight, while Anton Stralman is expected to remain on the shelf for at least one more game. As Yanni Gourde will make his return to the lineup, after serving a two-game suspension, we will see if head coach Jon Cooper selects Adam Erne or veteran Ryan Callahan for that fourth-line winger spot. Potential Lightning Line Combinations: Forwards Ondrej Palat – Steven Stamkos – J.T. Miller Tyler Johnson – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov Alex Killorn – Anthony Cirelli – Mathieu Joseph Yanni Gourde – Cedric Paquette – Ryan Callahan Defensemen Victor Hedman – Mikhail Sergachev Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak Braydon Coburn – Jan Rutta Goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy Louie Domingue Want your voice heard? Join the Bolts By The Bay team! Write for us! Lightning vs Capitals: Amalie Arena – 7pm EST Watch: NHL Network, Fox Sports Sun, NBCSWA<doc-sep>The Capitals sought revenge against the Lightning since their last two meetings went Tampa’s way. This time around, the Caps struck back against the Lightning with a 6-3 win. Former Tampa Bay Lightning player Vincent Lecavalier, right, presents Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos (91) with a silver stick before an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. Stamkos became the Lightning’s all-time goal scoring leader. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) makes a save on a shot by the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Tampa Bay Lightning center Cedric Paquette (13) and Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) battle for a loose puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) beats Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Adam Erne (73) to a loose puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrates with the bench after his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) AP/Chris O'Meara ( 1 /7) Share This Gallery: Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Share via email. Print. This article was written by WTOP’s news partner, NBC Sports Washington. Sign up for NBC Sports Washington’s free email subscription today. The Capitals sought revenge against the Lightning since their last two meetings went Tampa’s way. This time around, the Caps struck back against the Lightning with a 6-3 win, their fifth in a row, and maintaining their 3-point lead atop the Metro Division. Nicklas Backstrom scored first for the Caps in the first period. Backstrom started a transition in his own zone, fed the puck to Tom Wilson on the wing and snuck the puck around Ryan McDonagh back to Backstrom, who tapped it past Andrei Vasilevskiy to make it 1-0. The goal is Backstrom’s 20th of the season, making him one of seven 20-goal scorers on the Caps roster this season. Also, he and Joe Thornton are the only active NHL players to record at least four consecutive seasons with 20 goals and 50 assists. Your browser does not support iframes. T.J. Oshie followed up with his 24th of the season, scoring off the rebound of Nick Jensen’s point shot to make it 2-0 in the first. With assists on the goal, Hagelin recorded his 10th point with the Caps, while Jensen recorded his fifth. Your browser does not support iframes. Oshie’s work wasn’t done. On a power play chance in the first, he deflected a John Carlson shot over Vasilevskiy’s shoulder. The goal marked the Caps’ first power-play goal in five games and made it 3-0 heading into the second period. Your browser does not support iframes. Midway through the second, Backstrom scored his second of the night after Dmitry Orlov found him wide open in front of the net, passing him the puck through Mikhail Sergachev’s legs. Your browser does not support iframes. The Lightning ended Braden Holtby’s bid for a shutout when J.T. Miller deflected a Sergachev shot in at the end of the second. They continued to claw back in the third when Tyler Johnson found himself on a breakaway and snuck it through Holtby’s five hole to make it 4-2. The playoff atmosphere of the game amplified late in the third, when Brooks Orpik fought Anthony Cirelli and Tom Wilson fought Erik Cernak. Alex Ovechkin capped the night with his 50th and 51st goals of the season. It’s his eighth season with 50 goals, one behind Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for most all-time. Your browser does not support iframes. Ovechkin’s 50th also moves him past Brendan Shanahan for 13th all-time in NHL goal-scoring. Nikita Kucherov added another late power-play goal, but the Caps eventually took the 6-3 win. Holtby made 25 saves in the victory and now has five 30-win seasons since 2014-15, joining the company of Devan Dubnyk.<doc-sep>The Bolts The Tampa Bay Lightning have finally revealed their Masterton Trophy nominee. It’s Ryan Callahan. All heart. Always. @therealcally24 has been nominated by the Tampa Bay chapter of @thephwa for this year’s Bill Masterton Trophy. The award is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. pic.twitter.com/u1Z7rn4DjD — p - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 29, 2019 At 34 years old, Ryan Callahan has been playing for the Lightning for six seasons. He was acquired from the New York Rangers at the 2014 NHL Trade Deadline in exchange for Martin St. Louis. For the last few seasons, he has been dealing with several injuries and lately, he’s been playing as the 13th forward. But while his impact on the ice has diminished, he remains one of the most important players off it. And that’s why local media nominated him for the award. Ryan Callahan on a Masterton nomination: On his Masterton nomination: "It's quite an honor. There's so many guys in this room that do so much in the community and give back. To be the one who's nominated and recognized for what me and my wife have done with our charity is pretty special." Practice day | Ryan Callahan: pic.twitter.com/D454SlUmlf — p - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 29, 2019 You can check the other nominees here. Tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals is the last regular season game at Amalie Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning will host a Fan Appreciation Night, which is dedicated to their fans who have been following the team this season. Tomorrow is Fan Appreciation Night inside @amaliearena! Before things get crazy in April, we just want to take a moment and say thank you. #WSHvsTBL https://t.co/fPeWUV4moA — p - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 29, 2019 Jon Cooper speaks about his contract extension and what really matters. "Nothing's ever really mattered except for the quest to win a Stanley Cup." -@TBLightning coach Jon Cooper talks about his contract extension and the winning foundation the organization has built.#GoBolts #NHL pic.twitter.com/53sNJOzLdx — FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) March 29, 2019 The Athletic took a look inside of the Tampa Bay Lightning team. [The Athletic, paid content] “I don’t think we’ll realize how lucky we are right here until this season is over, until we look back at what we have accomplished,” Domingue said. “We all know what the goal is here, and that is to win it all, and that is all that has been on my mind since we lost to Washington (in the 2018 Eastern Conference finals). It doesn’t matter what we say. When this next season starts in the playoffs, that is when things really matter.” The Prospects The Syracuse Crunch lost their game last night against the Providence Bruins. The game shouldn’t have been that close at the end. If not for the play of Eddie Pasquale the Crunch could have easily been down four or five goals by the time the final horn sounded. The veteran made 24 saves in the first two periods to keep the Syracuse within striking distance, but the offense never came around to bail him out. [Raw Charge] Here’s a clip about fan favorite Daniel Walcott who has returned recently after missing six months due to a shoulder injury. “I do get a lot of chirps from teammates that I’m too loud, I’m too energetic, but it’s fine. It’s what I am and we have a good time.” Six months after his shoulder injury, @WallyD19 brought his energy back to the ice on March 23 in Part III of Road To Recovery. pic.twitter.com/hCxROAYpu9 — x - Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 29, 2019 Michael Bournival also returned to the practice, which is more good news for Syracuse as they get ready for the playoffs. Bourny is back on the ice. This guy is a machine. pic.twitter.com/tt9D0ObLYP — x - Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 29, 2019 The U.S. Army organized a Coach Symposium for local youth and high school coaches. Thank you to the local youth and high school coaches that joined us for tonight’s Coaches Symposium presented by @USArmy. Stick taps to @OswegoMHockey Head Coach Ed Gosek for sharing your knowledge. pic.twitter.com/Mmf2GMKkQ5 — x - Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 29, 2019 The Game The Vegas Golden Knights and the St. Louis Blues have clinched the Playoffs. The Coyotes lost to the Avalanche tonight which means..... WE. ARE. IN!!!!!!!!! !#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/SZt8zn87la — x-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 30, 2019 It’s been just a three months since the Blues were in last place in the whole league. Eric Duhatschek speaks about Joe Colborne, his injuries and his career [The Athletic, paid content] Colborne left the Flames as a free agent following his most productive NHL season, a 19-goal, 44-point performance in 2015-16. At 26, he looked poised to enter the prime of his career. But then midway through last year, Colborne vanished off the face of the hockey-playing earth and many people, including those who adored him inside the Flames’ organization, wondered why. Chris Chelios’ son Jake made his NHL debut. Jake Chelios is making his NHL debut with the Red Wings tonight. He’s the 28-year-old son of Chris Chelios. pic.twitter.com/Wd3lLE85PI — Brad Galli (@BradGalli) March 29, 2019 His father was there too. 116 years in the NHL. Chris Chelios had a good run. pic.twitter.com/jF6oQO4glB — Peter Andrianopoulos (@peterandri) March 30, 2019 Meanwhile, in the ECHL:<doc-sep>
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season, leading the Washington Capitals to a 6-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie also scored twice, while Braden Holtby finished with 25 saves as the Capitals won their fourth consecutive game. Backstrom also became the seventh Washington player to reach 20 goals this season. Ovechkin reached the 50-goal mark for the eighth time in his career. Only Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky, who each did it nine times, have scored 50 goals in a season more in NHL history. Ovechkin also scored his 657th career goal, moving past Brenden Shanahan for 13th-most in league history. The first goal for Ovechkin came in the third period as Oshie fed a cross-ice pass from the left boards to the bottom of the right circle for a one-timer. Ovechkin added a power play goal at 16:15, his 247th career power play goal to tie Luc Robitaille for fourth on the all-time list. Nikita Kucherov notched his 39th of the season for Tampa Bay, while Tyler Johnson and J.T. Miller also scored for the Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 29 saves. The Lightning played the final two periods without defenseman Victor Hedman, who sustained an upper-body injury late in the first period. In the third meeting between the teams in the past two weeks, it was the Capitals who jumped out to a quick lead in the first period, scoring twice in a span of 3:21. Backstrom converted a 3-on-2 chance off a pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov at 7:24 before Oshie outmuscled Alex Killorn in front of the net to swipe in a rebound of Nick Jensen‘s shot at 10:45. Oshie scored his second of the game at the 16-minute mark of the first period, getting a deflection on John Carlson‘s shot for a power-play goal to make it 3-0. Backstrom made it 4-0 at 7:53 of the second period, getting free down low to push in a pass from Dmitry Orolov. Miller put Tampa Bay on the board with a deflection of Mikhail Sergachev‘s shot at 17:25 of the second period. Johnson converted a breakaway 3:36 into the third period for his 28th of the season to make it 4-2. Kucherov scored a power-play goal in the final minute for his 122nd point of the season. NOTES: Lightning LW Yanni Gourde returned to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension. … Washington RW Brett Connolly missed his first game of the season due to illness. … A pregame ceremony was held to present Tampa Bay with the President’s Trophy as the team with the most points in the league. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly was on hand to deliver the trophy. … The Lightning presented captain Steven Stamkos with a commemorative silver stick for breaking the franchise record for career goals. Owner Jeff Vinik and former team captain Vinny Lecavalier, who held the previous record, made the presentation. … Amalie Arena was sold out for the 199th consecutive game, including playoffs. … Washington C Evgeny Kuznetsov extended his scoring streak to three games. UP NEXT Lightning: At Ottawa on Monday night. Capitals: At Florida on Monday night.