Lightning Fall To Capitals Despite Point's Hat Trick

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning lost a thrilling game to the Washington Capitals 5-4 on Wednesday night at AMALIE Arena, despite a hat trick from Brayden Point.

Point’s performance was one for the record books. He notched his fifth career hat trick and fourth since November 1, 2023, passing Tyler Johnson for fifth-most in Lightning history.

His second goal came on the power play, boosting his league-leading total to eight on the season. Remarkably, Point completed his hat trick when Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren accidentally shot the puck into his own net – the first time in recorded NHL history (since 2009-10) that a hat trick has been capped off by an own goal.

The Lightning jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to Point’s scoring prowess. However, the Capitals battled back to tie the game in the second.

Eyssimont briefly put the Lightning back in front before Washington scored the final two goals of the game, including the game-winner by Tom Wilson on a power play with just over three minutes remaining.

Team Notes

This was Tampa Bay’s first regulation loss to a Metropolitan Division opponent this season.
The Lightning have now had three players record hat tricks this season, the most of any NHL team.
Head coach Jon Cooper coached his 900th career NHL game.

Looking Ahead

The Lightning will look to bounce back from this loss as they hit the road for a three-game trip, starting with a matchup against the Nashville Predators on Friday.

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