Capitals at Panthers
The Washington Capitals attempt to extend their point streak to six games when they begin a three-game road trip against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Washington improved to 4-0-1 over its last five contests with a 4-2 triumph Saturday over Tampa Bay. Nicklas Backstrom kicked off the scoring with a natural hat trick, the first regular-season three-goal performance of his career, as the Capitals halted their brief two-game skid at home.
Florida is riding a four-game point streak at home, going 3-0-1 at the BB&T Center since dropping a 4-1 decision to Minnesota on Nov. 24. Overall, the Panthers have earned at least one point in five of their last six contests (3-1-2) despite Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss at Buffalo. Sean Bergenheim recorded a goal and an assist as Florida scored three straight to erase a 2-0 deficit, but it allowed the tying tally 8 1/2 minutes into the third period and the winner 29 seconds into the extra session.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CSN DC Plus (Washington), FSN Florida
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (14-10-5): Backstrom had gone nine games without a goal before erupting for three versus the Lightning. The 27-year-old Swede had recorded just two assists in his previous four contests after registering a six-game point streak. Austrian rookie Andre Burakovsky, who has recorded four goals and nine assists in 26 games, will remain with Washington instead of joining Team Sweden for the 2015 World Junior Championship.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (12-8-8): Nick Bjugstad looks to begin another point streak after having his previous one halted at four games Saturday. The 22-year-old, who leads Florida with 12 goals, collected four tallies and three assists during the run. Rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad has gone two games without a point after registering seven (three goals) during a five-game streak.
OVERTIME
1. Washington posted a 2-1 shootout victory at home in the first meeting of the season between the former Southeast Division rivals, with Backstrom scoring the decisive goal in the bonus format on Oct. 18. The Capitals are 10-0-1 in the last 11 matchups.
2. Florida G Roberto Luongo is two wins away from tying Mike Vernon (385) for 12th place on the all-time list.
3. The Capitals swept a three-game trek earlier this month, winning at Carolina, New Jersey and Tampa Bay.