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Capitals hope to remain hot versus Thrashers

Nov 19, 2010 - 4:23 PM (Sports Network) - The mighty Washington Capitals will take on a struggling division rival tonight, when they face the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena.

The Capitals, who are leading the NHL with 29 points, have won two straight and are also 8-0-1 since their last regulation loss on Oct. 28 in Minnesota. Atlanta, on the other hand, has lost three games in a row and has just one win over its last seven tests (1-5-1).

Washington and the Thrashers have already met three times this year and the Caps have taken two straight from Atlanta after losing the season opener back on Oct. 8. The Caps have won 10 of 11 and 12 of 14 overall in this series, but the clubs have split the last 10 encounters in Atlanta.

All three of the Thrashers' losses on the current slide have come in regulation, including Wednesday's 2-1 setback against visiting Florida. Radek Dvorak scored the game-winner in the second period to lift the Panthers to the close road victory.

Zach Bogosian registered the lone goal for the Thrashers and Ondrej Pavelec made 32 saves in the loss. On the other end of the ice, Tomas Vokoun turned aside 38 shots, including all 18 sent his way in the third period.

"We spent too much time in our zone and they scored two goals on us," Pavelec said. "We played great in the third period and spent almost the whole period in their zone, but couldn't get it past Vokoun. Like we have said so many times, you have play all 60 minutes to win the hockey game and we got to be better next time."

Atlanta defenseman Dustin Byfuglien suffered a lower-body injury in the loss to the Panthers and, along with forward Fredrik Modin, is questionable for tonight's tilt. Byfuglien is second on the team with 16 points this season.

In other news, the Thrashers named forward Andrew Ladd the eighth captain in team history on Thursday. Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom will serve as the team's alternate captains.

Wednesday's game kicked off a season-high, six-game homestand for the Thrashers, who have lost four out of five in Atlanta and are just 3-5-1 as the host this year.

The Capitals also played their last game on Wednesday and notched a 4-2 victory over the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Michal Neuvirth made 31 stops, including 10 in a scoreless third period, helping Washington to the win at Verizon Center.

Neuvirth recorded his league-leading 12th win for the Capitals, who are 10-1-0 at home this season. Matt Bradley had a goal and an assist, while Nicklas Backstrom and David Steckel also scored in Washington's ninth straight game with a point.

Alexander Semin also extended his point streak to nine games with an empty-net goal and an assist.

Compared to their amazing record on home ice, the Capitals are just 4-3-1 on the road this year.