WASHINGTON – The Capitals scored on all three shots in the shootout, and Justin Peters made 20 saves in his start this season to lift Washington over the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Saturday night.
Jason Chimera scored his first goal of the young season for the Capitals (3-0-2), who improved to 10-0-1 in their last 11 meetings against their former division rival.
Brad Boyes’ power play goal for Florida (1-3-1) tied the game early in the third period.
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Each team scored on its first shootout attempt, and Nicklas Backstrom then put the Capitals ahead 2-1. After Peters stopped Jussi Jokinen, Alex Ovechkin scored the clincher for Washington.
In a matchup of backups, Peters outdueled Al Montoya. The Panthers have scored five goals in five games. Washington outshot Florida 28-21 overall.
The Capitals had averaged five goals in their previous three games, including a 6-2 victory over New Jersey on Thursday. They didn’t keep up that potent pace, but their defensive effort ensured another scuffling outing for the Panthers.
Florida was 1 for 21 on the power play before Boyes scored.
Washington hasn’t lost at home to Florida since Dec. 9, 2010.
Situated in the left corner below the goal line, Eric Fehr spotted Chimera open just outside the far post. After receiving the pinpoint centring pass, Chimera faked Montoya out of position before backhanding the puck into the open net for a 1-0 lead 17:12 into the game.
Neither team scored in the second period, but Brooks Laich’s tip-in for Washington was disallowed because of a high-sticking call.
Laich left the bench late in the third period and didn’t return.
Washington held Florida without a shot on its first three power plays, but the Panthers broke that cycle early in the third period.
Peters stopped Sean Bergenheim’s close-range attempt, but Boyes put in the rebound 4:27 into the third to make it 1-1. Peters made his first start since Jan. 19 when he was with Carolina.
NOTES: Dylan Olsen earned an assist on Boyes’ goal. … Panthers D Willie Mitchell played in his 800th NHL game. … Capitals rookie forward Andre Burakovsky failed to record a point for the first time in five NHL games. … Florida concludes its four-game trip two games out West, starting Tuesday at Colorado. … Backstrom failed to get his 500th career point in his 500th NHL game.