Washington holds the lead as Florida pushes the shot and physicality edges.
Washington leads 3–2, though Florida has a 21–16 shots advantage and has out-hit the Capitals 20–5; the Panthers entered ranked No. 9 in the power index at 9–5–2, ahead of Washington at No. 19 and 8–6–0. Brady Tkachuk has both Florida goals, including one power-play goal, with 7 shots, a 0 plus-minus and no hits; Matthew Tkachuk has 2 assists, 3 shots, a 0 plus-minus and 1 hit. For Washington, Aliaksei Protas (1 goal, 2 shots, +2, 1 hit), Jack St. Ivany (1 goal, 2 shots, +1) and Alex Tuch (1 goal, 1 shot, even) have scored. Logan Thompson has stopped 19 of 21 shots for Washington (90.5%), while Florida’s Akira Schmid has 13 saves on 16 shots (81.3%).
Key Performers
Brady Tkachuk, Florida: 2 G, 0 A, 2 P, 7 SOG, 1 PPG, even, 0 hits Aliaksei Protas, Washington: 1 G, 0 A, 1 P, 2 SOG, +2, 1 hit Logan Thompson, Washington: 19 saves on 21 shots, 90.5%