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Maurice still seeking first win as Hurricanes host Capitals

Dec 7, 2008 - 8:52 AM Washington (15-9-3) at Carolina (12-12-3), 5:00 pm EST

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Paul Maurice's return to the Carolina Hurricanes is not going as planned.

The Hurricanes will hope to pick up their first win under their new coach and end a five-game home losing streak when they host the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

Carolina, which has lost seven of its last eight games, brought back Maurice - who also coached the franchise from 1995-2003 - after firing Peter Laviolette on Wednesday.

The Hurricanes followed up a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday with a 2-1 overtime setback to the Philadelphia Flyers two days later.

Even with its struggles, Carolina still sits in second place in the Southeast Division. The Capitals, who are searching for their third straight win, own a six-point edge in the standings.

Milan Jurcina netted the game-winner and rookie defenseman Karl Alzner scored his first career goal as Washington pulled out a 2-1 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

The Capitals are starting to get healthier as Sergei Fedorov returned against Toronto from an ankle injury. Alexander Semin (upper back strain) and defenseman Mike Green (bruised shoulder) have been sidelined since the middle of November.