In an exhilarating finish, Jakob Chychrun clinched the game for the Washington Capitals, scoring just 1:19 into overtime, securing a 3-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. This win marked the Capitals’ third consecutive triumph, following impressive road victories against the New York Islanders and the Rangers.

Tom Wilson played a pivotal role for Washington, contributing a goal and two assists, while Aliaksei Protas also found the net. Dylan Strome aided in the offensive effort with two assists, and Logan Thompson stood firm in goal with 17 saves, helping to maintain the Capitals’ winning momentum.

On the Tampa Bay side, Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point were the goal scorers, with Alexei Vasilevskiy making 25 saves. Unfortunately for the Lightning, this marked their third loss in four games, a trend they hope to reverse soon.

The overtime period showcased Wilson’s skill as he maneuvered the puck behind the net to the left and delivered a precise pass to Chychrun, who deftly beat Vasilevskiy, sealing the victory for Washington. This assist also marked a milestone for Wilson, achieving his 400th career point.

Earlier in the game, with both teams locked at 1-1 after two periods, Point had briefly pushed the Lightning ahead. He capitalized on a power-play opportunity, skillfully redirecting Victor Hedman’s shot past Thompson just 1:23 into the third period. However, the Capitals’ resilience ultimately prevailed in the thrilling overtime conclusion.

Wilson tied it again at 4:56 with Washington’s first power-play goal of the season. The Capitals had failed on their first 10 chances, including two in this game.

The Lightning took a 1-0 lead 7:06 into the game. Off a faceoff in the Capitals’ zone, Anthony Cirelli sent the puck to Ryan McDonagh at the left point. McDonagh then sent a pass to Guentzel on the inside edge at the bottom of the right circle and the forward quickly beat Thompson for his first of the season.

Protas tied it for Washington with 2:22 left in the middle period. Connor McMichael chased down the puck behind the Lightning net and sent a pass back Protas on the left side and he quickly beat Vasilevskiy for his third of the season.

The Capitals were without left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois, who left Sunday’s 1-0 win at the New York Rangers with an undisclosed lower-body injury in the third period.

The Lightning’s Max Crozier went to the dressing room early in the second period, leaving Tampa Bay with five defensemen the rest of the way.

Up next

Lightning: At Detroit on Friday in the third of a four-game trip.

Capitals: Host Minnesota on Friday in the second of a four-game homestand.

___

AP NHL: