The Washington Capitals’ playoff hopes received a much-needed boost on Saturday as they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 at home. The victory, their second in nine games, temporarily lifted them into the Eastern Conference’s second and final wild-card spot.
John Carlson’s power-play goal with 11:31 remaining proved to be the game-winner. The Capitals had been struggling to generate offense against Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, but Carlson’s blast from the point found the back of the net.
Sonny Milano had given the Capitals an early lead with a goal in the first period, but Anthony Duclair tied the game for Tampa Bay in the second. Milano struck again in the third period to put Washington back in front, but Brandon Hagel equalized for the Lightning once more.
With the game tied 2-2, the Capitals were awarded a 5-on-3 power play in the third period. Carlson made the most of the opportunity, firing a shot past Vasilevskiy to give Washington the lead for good.
Nic Dowd added an insurance goal with 3:14 remaining to seal the victory. Charlie Lindgren made 32 saves for the Capitals, while Vasilevskiy stopped 31 shots for the Lightning.
The victory was a crucial one for the Capitals, who are now in control of their own playoff destiny. They need to win their final two games of the season to return to the postseason after missing last year.
The Lightning, meanwhile, are locked into the East’s first wild-card spot and have only individual achievements left to play for. Nikita Kucherov reached 100 assists this season and is in contention for the NHL scoring race.
