Capitals Tame Panthers

The Washington Capitals extended its unbeaten run to seven games on Day 109 after a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. The result lifts Washington to 23-28-8.

Jonathan Cheechoo gave the home club a perfect start when he scored his 22nd goal of the season from Todd Warriner and Dan Boyle at 0:36.

Florida came back to tie the game with a power play tally early in the middle stanza. Dagile got the goal from Langenbrunner at 5:06 while Greg Watson was in the box for cross-checking. The Capitals regained the lead midway through the period on Patrick Marleau's 20th of the season from Severin Blindenbacher and Todd Warriner at 11:28.

Washington kept the pressure up in the final period, and Andrew Ference added an insurance goal two minutes into the action. Frantisek Lukes assisted on the goal.

JS Giguere stopped 19 shots to earn the win and improve to 24-16-8. Roberto Luongo stopped 24 shots in the loss.

The Capitals visit Nashville on Day 111.