Panthers beat Capitals 6-3 in matchup of playoff contenders


              Washington Capitals left wing Marcus Johansson (90) and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) battle along the boards during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and defenseman Josh Mahura (28) celebrate after the team's win in an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with center Sam Reinhart (13) and others during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) defends the net against Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) reaches for the puck against Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath (25) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) shoots the puck past Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath (25) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers right wing Givani Smith (54) shoots the puck and breaks the stick of Washington Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen (27) reacts next to Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath (25) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura (28) and Washington Capitals center Joe Snively, right, compete for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) is congratulated for his goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers defenseman Marc Staal, center, celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with defenseman Brandon Montour, right, and left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers defenseman Marc Staal, left, celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with defenseman Brandon Montour during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
            
              Florida Panthers center Colin White (6) scores against Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. Capitals left wing Marcus Johansson is at right rear. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Panthers beat Capitals 6-3 in matchup of playoff contenders