Florida at Washington

Maybe the Panthers had a total loss of focus after visiting the White House on Thursday in celebration of their second consecutive Stanley Cup win last season. Maybe it was complacency. But whatever it is, Florida is not the same team that it has been the past two seasons. That was made even more evident after the Hurricanes buried the Panthers, 9-1, last night in Carolina. Now the Panthers have to play the Capitals on the road and without rest. The Panthers have lost their past three games without rest, by a combined 9 goals. This is Florida's sixth straight road game. Washington is not going to be in a charitable mood. The Capitals suffered a disappointing, 3-2, home loss to the Sharks two days ago, the same day the Panthers were hobnobbing at the White House. The Capitals could get back Tom Wilson today. He has missed six games with a lower-body injury. Wilson leads Washington with 22 goals and 42 points in 41 games. His plus-20 rating is tied for second on the team. Lay 1.5 goals on the puckline with the Capitals.