24 First win at MCI Center
In the 1997-98 season the Caps would really turn the tide. First though they had to say bye to Capital Centre and hello to the brand new barn in downtown DC in what was then called the MCI Center and is now known as Capital One Arena.
Sadly that Capital Centre farewell on Nov. 26 of 1997 resulted in a 6-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. But on Dec. 5 against the Florida Panthers to the delight of a sellout crowd in the building, the Caps would go on to defeat the Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime.
Steve Washburn gave the Panthers the early lead in the first period before Richard Zednik tied it in the second. The Caps took the lead on the power play with a goal from Chris Simon before Robert Svehla answered with an PPG of his own to tie it. Both of those markers came in the thrid period.
In overtime it would be Jeff Toms who would win it for the Capitals at 3:32. Olaf Kolzig went 26 for 28 in net for the win which was good for a .929 save percentage.