• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Capitals look to snap losing skid in Florida

Mar 30, 2007 - 3:17 PM Washington (26-38-13) at Florida (33-30-14) 7:30 pm EDT

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) - The Washington Capitals already have been eliminated from playoff contention, but Alex Ovechkin still has something to play for.

Ovechkin continues to track his second straight 50-goal season Friday as the Capitals visit the Florida Panthers.

After scoring 52 goals as a rookie, Ovechkin has 43 in his sophomore season. The Russian has five games remaining to reach the 50-mark for a second straight campaign.

Ovechkin has been one of the few bright spots for the Capitals, who have lost four straight and 18 of their last 21 games. Their most recent loss was a 4-3 setback to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Washington has given up 274 goals this season, fewer only than Philadelphia (281).

Six points behind Tampa Bay (41-32-4) an Montreal (40-31-6) for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with five games left, Florida is seeking its third straight win.

On Wednesday, the Panthers posted a 3-2 shootout win over Atlanta. Craig Anderson made his first career start for the Panthers and made 33 saves. It was a well-deserved day off for 41-year-old netminder Ed Belfour, who had started in 27 consecutive games for Florida - a franchise record.

Olli Jokinen had an assist in the win to extend his point streak to six games. The center is Florida's leading scorer this season with 83 points.

Florida leads the season series, 4-2.