Sam Bennett said that the Florida Panthers loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday had a little playoff atmosphere, it was probably a little too wide open for Paul Maurice’s tastes. Maurice said he certainly liked the way the Panthers looked in the first two periods.

The defending champion Florida Panthers will visit the Capital One Arena on Tuesday night to play the Washington Capitals. Washington (34-11-7, in the Metropolitan Division) has been playing lights out all season and currently has 75 points, second to NHL-leading Winnipeg (77).

One of the biggest and best matchups on Tuesday night’s NHL slate is the Panthers vs. Capitals tilt at 7:00 p.m. ET. Will the Panthers hand the Capitals a third consecutive loss? Or will Washington pull off the upset? Florida Panthers (-120) at Washington Capitals (+100); o/u 5.5

The top two teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference square off tonight when the Florida Panthers take on the host Washington Capitals. The Panthers hold a 3-point lead on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic;

Celebrini goal puts Sharks on the board early vs. Predators Sharks center Macklin Celebrini gives San Jose a 1-0 lead with a first-period goal vs. the Nashville Predators on Tuesd