The Capitals kick off a four-game homestand on Tuesday night as the Lightning roll into town at Capital One Arena.
This stretch marks one of Washington’s longest home stints of the season, with matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, and Seattle rounding out the lineup. The Capitals will enjoy similar four-game stays again in November and March, giving fans plenty to look forward to.
Both teams come in with some momentum between the pipes. Over the weekend, Logan Thompson stonewalled the Islanders with 34 saves, while Charlie Lindgren put on a clinic against the Rangers, turning aside 35 shots. Neither netminder gave up an even-strength goal, and both picked up their first wins of the season.
Tampa Bay enters Tuesday's clash on the second half of a back-to-back, fresh off a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Bruins in Boston. Anthony Cirelli led the charge with a two-goal performance, finally helping the Bolts shake off a sluggish start.
Before that win, the Lightning had stumbled out of the gate, dropping their first two games in regulation, something they hadn't done since the 2008-09 campaign, during the brief and forgettable Barry Melrose era.
Here is what you need to know about the NHL matchup between the Capitals and the Lightning, including TV and streaming options for the game.
What channel is Capitals vs. Lightning on tonight?
Capitals vs. Lightning will air nationally on ESPN. Fans can also stream the game on the ESPN app or Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial.
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Capitals vs. Lightning start time
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Capitals vs. Lightning will start at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., United States.
Capitals vs. Lightning radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM channel 221
Fans can listen to the Capitals vs. Lightning broadcast live on SiriusXM. Coverage will be available on channel 221 (Capitals broadcast).
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Capitals schedule 2025-26
Here are the next five games on Washington's 2025-26 schedule:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 14 | vs. Lightning | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 17 | vs. Wild | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 19 | vs. Canucks | 12:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 21 | vs. Kraken | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 24 | at Blue Jackets | 7 p.m. |
Lightning schedule 2025-26
Here are the next five games on Tampa Bay's 2025-26 schedule:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 14 | at Capitals | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 17 | at Red Wings | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Blue Jackets | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 23 | vs. Blackhawks | 6:45 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | vs. Ducks | 5 p.m. |