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Semin, Capitals aim for third straight victory

Mar 1, 2009 - 7:51 AM Florida (31-23-8) at Washington (40-18-5), 3:00 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Alex Ovechkin may be the Washington Capitals' leader, but Alexander Semin's contributions have put them near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Semin looks to continue his hot streak as the Washington Capitals go for their third straight win on Sunday, when they host the Florida Panthers.

In Washington's 4-3 overtime victory over the East-leading Boston Bruins on Saturday, Semin netted the game-winning tally with a slap shot from 80 feet away 22 seconds into the extra session and added an assist.

The Russian opened the season on a torrid pace, netting 14 goals in his first 18 games. However, he suffered an injury in a 4-2 win over St. Louis on December 18 and missed two weeks of action.

Upon returning, the 24-year-old Semin had trouble getting back on track, but eventually broke a six-game goalless streak on January 10.

Since then, he has posted nine tallies - including five in his past 10 contests. Semin also has recorded 14 points in that span.

The Capitals have won six of eight and are 25-6-1 at home this season.

Florida, meanwhile, is coming off a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.

The Panthers have lost four of seven, but still remain seventh in the East with 70 points.