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.