Panthers host the Capitals to open the NHL Playoffs

Updated May. 4, 2022 2:10 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Washington Capitals (44-26-12, fourth in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (58-18-6, first in the Atlantic Division)

Sunrise, Florida; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

LINE: Panthers -248, Capitals +203; over/under is 6.5

NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Panthers host series opener

BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers host the Washington Capitals to begin the Eastern Conference first round. The teams meet Tuesday for the sixth time this season. The Capitals went 3-2 against the Panthers in the regular season. In their last regular season meeting on May 3, the Capitals won 4-2.

Florida has a 32-6-0 record in home games and a 58-18-6 record overall. The Panthers have a 26-5-2 record when they commit fewer penalties than their opponent.

Washington has gone 24-8-5 on the road and 44-26-12 overall. The Capitals have conceded 242 goals while scoring 270 for a +28 scoring differential.

TOP PERFORMERS: Aleksander Barkov Jr. has 39 goals and 49 assists for the Panthers. Sam Reinhart has six goals and four assists over the last 10 games.

John Carlson has 17 goals and 54 assists for the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin has four goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Panthers: 6-4-0, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.3 assists, 5.1 penalties and 14.9 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game.

Capitals: 4-4-2, averaging three goals, 4.9 assists, 3.2 penalties and 6.7 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.

INJURIES: Panthers: Markus Nutivaara: out (undisclosed), Jonas Johansson: out (covid-19).

Capitals: Carl Hagelin: out (eye), Tom Wilson: day to day (lower body).

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