The contest between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday has lots of betting possibilities to consider. With that in mind, here’s an in-depth look at our best bets, along with picks and projections.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Capitals vs. Lightning Picks

Bet on this or any NHL matchup at BetMGM.

Total Pick

Pick OU: Over 5.5 (model projecting 6.2 goals)

• This season, Washington games have gone over this one’s 5.5-goal total 32 times.
• This season, 31 of Tampa Bay’s games have featured more than 5.5 goals.
• The total for this game (5.5) is 1.7 less than the combined scoring averages for the Capitals (3.63) and Lightning (3.57).
• This game’s over/under is 0.3 more than the 5.2 goals these two teams allow per game combined.

Bet on the total at BetMGM today!

Moneyline Pick

Capitals Moneyline: -128

• The Capitals have been victorious in 21 of their 34 games when they were favored on the moneyline this season (61.8%).
• Washington is 18-11 when playing with moneyline odds of -128 or shorter (62.1% win percentage).
• The implied moneyline probability for this game says the Capitals have a 56.1% chance to win.

Lightning Moneyline: +108

• In Tampa Bay’s 16 games playing as the moneyline underdog this season, it has six wins.
• The Lightning have won three games with moneyline odds of +108 or longer (in nine such games).
• Tampa Bay’s implied probability to win is 48.1% based on the moneyline odds.

Place your moneyline bet at BetMGM now!

Score Prediction

Prediction:
Washington 4, Tampa Bay 2

Capitals Points Leaders

• A leading offensive player this season for Washington, Dylan Strome has put up 59 points.
• Aliaksei Protas has 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) to add to the team’s scoring efforts.
• With 49 points through 59 games (14 goals and 35 assists), Pierre-Luc Dubois has been an important part of Washington’s offense this season.
• In 33 games played this season, Logan Thompson (25-3-5) has allowed 75 goals.

Lightning Points Leaders

• Nikita Kucherov is a top offensive contributor for his squad with 85 points (1.5 per game). He has recorded 27 goals and 58 assists in 55 games (playing 20:31 per game).
• Brandon Hagel has made a major impact for Tampa Bay this season with 67 points, thanks to 29 goals and 38 assists.
• Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point has 60 points, courtesy of 31 goals (first on team) and 29 assists (fourth).
• Andrei Vasilevskiy’s record stands at 28-15-3 on the season, giving up 100 goals (2.2 goals against average) and compiling 1182 saves with a .922 save percentage (fourth-best in the league).

Capitals’ Schedule

Looking for officially licensed NHL gear? Fanatics has jerseys, hats, apparel, memorabilia, trading cards, collectibles and more.

Lightning’s Schedule

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Washington vs. Tampa Bay Game Info

• Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
• Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• How to watch on TV: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Location: Washington D.C.
• Venue: Capital One Arena

Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.