Capitals Edge Panthers in Game 3

Anson Carter scored the game-winning goal and assisted on another to lead the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of their first round playoff series. Game 4 is tonight in Washington.

Zigmund Palffy gave the Caps a good start in the first period when he scored his second of the playoffs from Carter and Rob Blake at 12:14. Both teams managed 10 shots on goal in a well played opening 20 minutes.

Florida put Washington on its heels in the second period, but Carter's goal from Radoslav Suchy and Todd Warriner at 18:04 gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead. Washington only recorded three shots on goal in the period while the Panthers fired 12.

The Panthers came out quickly in the final 20 minutes and got on the board after just 32 seconds. Parrish was the scorer from Jarrett and Roche. Washington clamped down on the defensive end after the goal and held Florida to just six shots in the third.

Manny Legace made 27 saves to earn the win. Roberto Luongo stopped 19 shots in the loss.