
#1 Oct. 16 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The number one toughest game of the season comes in just the second game. It is a big test for the Capitals as they’ll host the defending back to back Stanley Cup champions on a Saturday night. Looking at tickets, they’re more expensive than the first game!
The Lightning will be the second opponent the Caps see in a three game homestand to open the season that also includes the Rangers and Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are defending Presidents’ Trophy winners.
The Lightning won the Stanley Cup Final in five games over the Canadiens. Nikita Kucherov led the Bolts in the playoffs with 24 assists and 32 points to go along with eight goals. Brayden Point led the Lightning in goals with 14 while Steven Stamkos added eight.
Expect a lot of offense when these two teams go head to head. Caps vs. Bolts games tend to produce a lot of goal scoring a games that have a flair for the dramatic. Expect this game to be no different. It really is a shame these teams didn’t see each other at all last season or in the playoffs.
Which game are you looking forward to this season? Which game do you think will be the most challenging for the Caps?