Caps Fall to Panthers, 2-1

Despite Chris Clark's return, the Caps could only muster one goal (by Alex Ovechkin) in a 2-1 loss to the Panthers at BankAtlantic Center. Washington has allowed two goals or fewer in three of their last four games (and five of the last eight), but only has won two of those games.

The Panthers took a 2-0 lead on goals by former Cap Richard Zednik and Kamil Kreps, who turned a bad giveaway by Tom Poti into an easy tally. The Caps couldn't convert any of their four power plays, and only had to kill off one extra-man advantage for Florida (which they did).

And tonight's game gets no easier. The Lightning (with whom the Caps have split their two meetings so far this season) are 7-1-1 at home and have won four straight. Vincent Lecavalier (12 goals, 19 assists) had a hat trick and two assists during a 6-1 destruction of the Hurricanes on Wednesday night. Martin St. Louis (six goals, 17 assists) and Vaclav Prospal (12 goals, 10 assists) also have been impressive during the season's first quarter.

Brent Johnson starts in goal tonight for the Caps, who must find a way to score soon or their season will fall deeper in despair.

Note: I will be in the Verizon Center press box for Monday night's game against the Panthers. Look for a live account of the game that evening.