In an exhilarating matchup in Washington, Jacob Chychrun emerged as the hero by netting the game-winning goal just 1:19 into overtime, leading the Washington Capitals to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. This win marked Washington’s third consecutive triumph, showcasing their strong form.

Contributing significantly to the Capitals’ success, Tom Wilson delivered a standout performance with a goal and two assists. Aliaksei Protas also found the back of the net, continuing the team’s momentum following their recent road victories against the New York Islanders and Rangers. Dylan Strome was pivotal as well, providing two assists, while Logan Thompson stood firm in goal with 17 saves.

On the other side of the ice, Tampa Bay’s offensive efforts were spearheaded by Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point, each tallying a goal. Despite Alexei Vasilevskiy’s commendable 25 saves, the Lightning struggled, having now lost three of their last four encounters.

The game remained tightly contested, with a 1-1 deadlock after two periods. It was Brayden Point who initially broke the tie, granting the Lightning a lead early in the third period with a power-play goal, deftly redirecting Victor Hedman’s shot past Thompson.

However, Wilson quickly responded for the Capitals, equalizing the score at 4:56. His goal was particularly notable as it was Washington’s first successful power-play conversion of the season, after previously failing on their first 10 opportunities, including two during this very 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.

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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL