The Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning are scoreless after one period of play at the Tampa Bay Times Forum as Washington tries to take a giant step forward in securing a playoff place.
The Capitals have outshot the Lightning 7-5 through 20 minutes of play, despite the Lightning having two power play opportunities early in the game.
Washington enters tonight's game two points ahead of the Buffalo Sabres in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and three points behind the Florida Panthers for the Southeast Division lead. With a win over the Lightning, Washington can clinch a playoff spot if Buffalo loses in regulation to the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night at First Niagara Center.
For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For more on the Lightning, visit Raw Charge. For the latest from around the NHL, check out SB Nation's hockey hub.