The Washington Capitals look to bounce back after suffering their first regulation loss by handing the Florida Panthers their first regulation loss. That’s the mission for tonight and it is looking like Nic Dowd is expected to play. There could even be a roster move after this writing is published.
The Capitals (5-1-3) started their two game Florida road trip on Monday night with a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Brett Leason had his first NHL goal and Conor Sheary potted his first of the season. The Panthers are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins.
This is the first game against the Panthers for the Caps in almost two years. Their last meeting was on Nov. 27, 2019 which resulted in a 4-3 Caps win. The Caps have earned a point in 21 of their last 27 games against the Panthers with a 17-6-4 record.
The Caps loss on Monday ended their eight game point streak. They had a day off on Tuesday before holding a practice Wednesday. At the skate, Nic Dowd was a full participant and he said that he expects to play.
Dowd told the media after practice:
"“It was a good day to get a full practice in. I tweaked a little something last Friday [at morning skate prior to the game against Arizona]. I just wasn’t feeling that great, came back a little too early. I’m feeling good and it will be good to get back in.”"
Fun fact: the Capitals enter tonight’s game with five rookies on their roster unless the team happens to make a move. With Martin Fehervary, Hendrix Lapierre, Brett Leason, Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas all in the mix. It marks the first time the Caps have had at least that many rookies during the regular season since April 7, 2018 against the New Jersey Devils. Ah memories.
That team would go on to win the Cup and it featured Madison Bowey, Travis Boyd, Christian Djoos, Shane Gersich, Chandler Stephenson, and Jakub Vrana. None of those guys are on the team now.
Tonight is a big road test. Are the Caps up to the challenge? Here’s how to find out:
Date: November 4, 2021
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: FLA Live Arena
What Channel Is The Capitals Game On: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan and Caps Radio 24/7
Betting Odds: The Panthers are 1.5 favorites at home per the betting odds on WynnBET. They moneyline has the Capitals at +133 and the Panthers at -148. The over/under is 6.0.
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