Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning projected lineup and preview for 11/8/2025

The Washington Capitals head south to Tampa Bay for a crucial Eastern Conference matchup against the Lightning on November 8, 2025, at Benchmark International Arena. With puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM EST, both teams enter this contest looking to build momentum in their respective quests for playoff positioning. The Capitals, sporting a 7-6-1 record, have struggled recently with five losses in their last six games, while the red-hot Lightning at 7-5-2 have won six of their last seven contests.

This game features two storied franchises with contrasting current trajectories, making it a compelling viewing opportunity for hockey fans. Both teams are dealing with injury concerns that will impact their lineup configurations, adding another layer of intrigue to this Saturday night showdown.

Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning projected lineup 11/8/2025: Forward lines breakdown

The Capitals’ forward group enters this matchup with several notable storylines, led by the legendary Alex Ovechkin on the top line. Ovechkin continues to anchor the first unit alongside Dylan Strome, who has emerged as a key playmaker with 14 points through 14 games, and Anthony Beauvillier on the right wing. This trio has shown chemistry throughout the early season, with Strome’s vision complementing Ovechkin’s lethal shooting ability.

The second line features an intriguing combination of Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael, and Tom Wilson. Wilson has been the team’s offensive catalyst with 16 points leading all Capitals forwards, bringing his trademark physicality and playmaking ability to the lineup. This line provides a nice balance of skill and grit that should be effective against Tampa Bay’s defense.

Washington’s third line will see Ethen Frank return from a four-game absence due to an upper-body injury sustained in a collision with Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen on October 28. Frank will join Hendrix Lapierre and rookie Ryan Leonard, providing the Capitals with fresh legs and energy. Leonard, in particular, has shown flashes of his first-round pedigree early in his NHL career.

The fourth line of Brandon Duhaime, Nic Dowd, and Justin Sourdif rounds out the forward corps. This checking line’s primary responsibility will be to contain Tampa Bay’s dangerous top units while providing reliable defensive zone coverage. The absence of Pierre-Luc Dubois due to a lower-body injury continues to impact Washington’s depth, forcing head coach Spencer Carbery to shuffle his lineup combinations.

Tampa Bay Lightning projected lineup 11/8/2025: Offensive firepower

Tampa Bay’s forward lines showcase the depth and talent that has made them perennial Stanley Cup contenders. The top line remains one of the most dangerous trios in the NHL, featuring Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, and Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov leads the Lightning with 14 points, while Guentzel has contributed 13 points in his first season with Tampa Bay. This line’s ability to create offensive chances at will poses a significant challenge for Washington’s defense.

The second line typically features Brandon Hagel, who has been Tampa Bay’s top points producer with 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists), but the status of Anthony Cirelli remains uncertain for this contest. Cirelli is listed as questionable and day-to-day with an upper-body injury, which has forced the Lightning to adjust their forward combinations. If Cirelli cannot play, Dominic James is expected to slot into the center position with increased responsibilities.

Oliver Bjorkstrand rounds out what should be a productive second unit that can capitalize on matchup advantages. The third line consists of veteran Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Pontus Holmberg, providing responsible two-way play and depth scoring. This trio’s experience will be crucial in managing puck possession and limiting Washington’s transition opportunities.

Tampa Bay’s bottom six also includes Jack Finley and Gage Goncalves, though the exact line configurations remain fluid given the injury situation. The absence of Nick Paul, who has not played yet this season due to an upper-body injury, continues to impact the Lightning’s forward depth despite him participating in morning skate.

Defensive pairings for the Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning projected lineup 11/8/2025

Washington’s blue line features a solid mix of offensive capability and defensive reliability. The top pairing of Martin Fehervary and John Carlson provides veteran leadership and puck-moving ability. Carlson remains the quarterback of Washington’s power play and continues to log heavy minutes despite being in the latter stages of his career. Fehervary’s defensive awareness and physical presence complement Carlson’s offensive instincts nicely.

The second pairing of Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy offers another strong combination. Chychrun brings offensive upside and the ability to join the rush effectively, while Roy provides steady, defensive-first hockey. This pairing should see significant time against Tampa Bay’s top offensive threats and will need to be particularly sharp in their own zone coverage.

Rasmus Sandin and Trevor van Riemsdyk form the third defensive duo for Washington. Sandin’s mobility and puck-handling skills give the Capitals options in transition, while van Riemsdyk serves as a reliable depth defenseman who understands his role. The scratched defensemen include Dylan McIlrath and Declan Chisholm, who provide organizational depth but won’t feature in this contest.

Similar to their matchup against the Stars, the Capitals will rely heavily on their defensive structure to slow down Tampa Bay’s potent attack. The Capitals have allowed just 2.43 goals per game this season, ranking second in the NHL, which demonstrates the effectiveness of their defensive system.

Tampa Bay Lightning defensive corps and goaltending

Tampa Bay’s defense is anchored by future Hall of Famer Victor Hedman, who continues to be one of the league’s elite two-way defensemen. Hedman will pair with J.J. Moser on the top unit, providing leadership and stability. Hedman’s ability to impact the game in all three zones makes him a constant threat that Washington must account for throughout the contest.

The second pairing features the veteran Ryan McDonagh alongside Erik Cernak, forming one of the more physical defensive duos in the league. McDonagh’s experience and hockey IQ complement Cernak’s punishing physical style, making this pairing particularly difficult to play against in board battles and in front of the net. This combination will likely draw challenging matchups against Washington’s top offensive players.

Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Emil Lilleberg comprise the third pairing, with Darren Raddysh also available as a seventh defenseman. The Lightning scratched Max Crozier and Curtis Douglas for this game, indicating that head coach Jon Cooper is confident in his current defensive alignment.

Between the pipes, Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start for Tampa Bay. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner and Conn Smythe winner remains one of hockey’s premier goaltenders, though he’ll face a stern test against Washington’s offensive weapons. Jonas Johansson provides reliable backup goaltending should Vasilevskiy need a rest or if the game situation dictates a change.

Key matchups and storylines for Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning on 11/8/2025

The most compelling matchup to watch is Ovechkin versus Hedman. These two future Hall of Famers have battled countless times over their careers, and every encounter adds another chapter to their rivalry. Hedman’s defensive prowess will be tested by Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of goals as he continues his march toward Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record.

Tom Wilson’s physical presence against Tampa Bay’s skilled forwards creates another intriguing subplot. Wilson’s ability to play a power forward game while contributing offensively makes him a unique challenge for the Lightning’s defense. His battles with players like Cernak should provide plenty of entertainment and potentially spark intensity throughout the lineup.

The goaltending duel between Logan Thompson and Andrei Vasilevskiy adds star power to this matchup. Thompson has been solid for Washington this season, but facing Vasilevskiy and the Lightning’s offensive firepower represents a significant challenge. The netminder who performs better will likely determine the game’s outcome.

Special teams could play a decisive role in this contest. Tampa Bay’s power play sits tied for 24th at 16.7 percent efficiency, an area they’ll want to improve. Washington’s penalty kill will need to be sharp, especially when facing the Lightning’s dangerous first power-play unit. Conversely, the Capitals will look to capitalize on any Lightning penalty kill breakdowns.

What this game means for both teams moving forward

This matchup carries significant implications for both franchises as they navigate the early portion of the season. For Washington, ending their current slide is paramount before it develops into a more serious slump. The Capitals need to rediscover the defensive structure that made them successful earlier in the season while finding more consistent offensive production beyond their top performers.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has an opportunity to build on their recent success and establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference once again. Their six wins in seven games demonstrate the form that has made them perennial playoff threats, but maintaining that consistency against quality opponents like Washington will be crucial for their long-term aspirations.

Both teams understand that every point matters in what promises to be a tightly contested Metropolitan and Atlantic Division race. As the season progresses, games between Eastern Conference powers take on added significance for playoff positioning and potential playoff matchups down the road. Tonight’s contest at Benchmark International Arena offers both the Capitals and Lightning a chance to make a statement about their playoff credentials while adding another memorable chapter to their competitive history.