The Tampa Bay Lightning (44-26-6) defeated the Washington Capitals (34-33-9) 5-1 on Thursday night at Amalie Arena. The win was the second in a row for Tampa Bay.
Alex Killorn and Steen Stamkos both scored in the first to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead. After Craig Smith scored late in the second for Washington to make it 2-1, Pat Maroon scored twice in the third period to help the Lightning pull away. Erik Cernak scored a shorthanded goal late to clinch the 5-1 victory.
Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 30 of the 31 shots he faced in net.
The Lightning return to action when they host the New York Islanders on Saturday night. If the Lightning were to win agains the Islanders, they would clinch a berth in the upcoming posteason. Puck drop on Saturday is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Amalie Arena.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES