NHL playoffs 2018: Lightning vs. Capitals TV schedule

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: Evgeny Kuznetsov
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: Evgeny Kuznetsov /
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The Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals face off in the Eastern Conference Final. Here’s the schedule and how you can watch every game.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals will face off for the right to play in the Stanley Cup Final. After eliminating the Boston Bruins, the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to advance to their first Stanley Cup since losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. The Washington Capitals finally beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the playoffs, winning in six games. Washington is looking to advance to their first Stanley Cup since being swept by the Detroit Red Wings in 1998.

The Lightning won the regular season series with Washington, winning two of the three games played. Tampa Bay was the best team in the East during the regular season and their success has continued into the playoffs. The Lightning eliminated the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins both in five games.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been excellent in the playoffs, posting a .927 save percentage. Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos have been great through two rounds. The trio has combined for 32 points. Tampa will have the luxury of being able to match Victor Hedman or Ryan McDonagh against the Alexander Ovechkin line.

Washington finally beat the Penguins. In the Ovechkin era, Pittsburgh had won three playoff series against Washington. That all changed when Evgeny Kuznetsov scored in overtime of Game 6. Kuznetsov has been great in the playoffs, recording 14 points in 12 games.

The Capitals have leaned heavily on their stars, and they have delivered in the playoffs. Ovechkin has eight goals and 15 points, while Nicklas Backstrom has 13 points. Backstrom did not play in Game 6 but he is expected to be able to play in the series with Tampa. John Carlson has had a great playoff offensively, recording 11 points. However, against Tampa, Carlson will have to be on top of his game defensively. Barry Trotz will likely try and match Carlson up against the Stamkos line as much as possible.

Lightning vs. Capitals TV schedule

*If necessary. All times in ET.

Game 1: Friday, May 11, 8:00 p.m. @ Tampa Bay

TV: NBCSN

Game 2: Sunday, May 13, 8:00 p.m. @ Tampa Bay

TV: NBCSN

Game 3: Tuesday, May 15, 8:00 p.m. @ Washington

TV: NBCSN

Game 4: Thursday, May 17, 8:00 p.m. @ Washington

TV: NBCSN

*Game 5: Saturday, May 19, 7:15 p.m. @ Tampa Bay

TV: NBC

*Game 6: Monday, May 21, 8:00 p.m. @ Washington

TV: NBSCN

*Game 7: Wednesday, May 23, 8:00 p.m. @ Tampa Bay

TV: NBCSN

Live Stream: You can also watch every game live on Fubo.TV. Sign up now for a free trial.

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