Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, 10/3/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL

TV: Monumental Sports Network, WXPX-TV

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (+136) Lightning (-145)

The Washington Capitals are on their way to Benchmark International Arena on Saturday where they will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The line on this contest has Washington at +136 while Tampa Bay is opening at -145. The total is 6.5.

The Washington Capitals were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jackets their last time on the ice. Washington compiled 2 penalty mins for this contest. In addition, they had 3 power play tries and were able to net 1 goal. The Capitals offense left a lot to be desired in this win. In the game, they were able to notch a goal on 2 out of the 21 shots they attempted.

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Washington Capitals opponents had 252 power play opportunities (5th in the NHL) and came away with 50 goals in those attempts. The Capitals had 2,307 shots tried against them and had a save percentage of .897. Washington tried 2,299 shots and had a shooting percentage of 11.4%. At even strength, the Capitals surrendered 188 goals while earning 218. Washington wrapped up the season with 241 power play opportunities and added 43 goals out of those tries, garnering them a rate of 17.84%. For the prior campaign, they scored 95 points and their points percentage was .579. In relation to their scoring capabilities, the Washington Capitals earned 261 goals (15th in pro hockey) for the previous season and conceded 238.

The man protecting the net in this game is Charlie Lindgren. Opponents have racked up 467 goals versus Lindgren in his pro hockey career and his average for goals against per game is 2.92. Lindgren has participated in 170 games throughout his hockey career. His save percentage is at .902 for his 407 mins guarding the cage. He has a win-loss mark of 82-61-18 and he has started in 160 games. In his career, Lindgren has earned 82 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .513. Lindgren has had 4,760 shots taken against him and has recorded 4,293 total saves.

In their last contest, Tampa Bay played the Rangers in a game where the Lightning were on the wrong end of the score by a tally of 5-1. The Lightning netted 1 goal of the 25 shots on goal they attempted. They had 7 power play chances in this one but didn't score a goal.

The Lightning racked up 235 goals at even strength and 51 goals (15th in the league) while on the power play. Tampa Bay took 2,305 shots (14th in the NHL) and earned a shot percentage of 12.41%, while allowing the other team 2,188 shots. Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning had 286 goals, 106 points, as well as a points percentage of .646. They granted a total of 229 goals to be scored by way of 184 goals at even strength and 45 goals while they had less men on the ice. They had 246 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play rate of 20.73%. They recorded a penalty kill percentage of 82.56% on their opposition's 258 power play tries, and their save percentage came in at 89.5%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. Vasilevskiy holds a career record of 370-179-39 and has been in goal for 599 games. Vasilevskiy's quality start rate comes out to 59.1% and he has qualified for 348 quality starting assignments in his professional career. He has recorded 16,142 saves out of the 17,613 shots taken against him, giving him a save % of .916. His opposition is averaging 2.50 goals per game and he has conceded 1,471 goals overall. He has made the start in 589 games and has accumulated 35,224 mins.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Washington (+136)

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