The set-up: The Capitals and Panthers square off tonight in Florida, with both teams checking in with identical 2-0-1 records. The Caps are coming off a 3-0 triumph against Colorado on Tuesday, while the Panthers were oh-so close to a third straight win Tuesday night at Tampa, before allowing Steven Stamkos' game-tying goal on a sharp-angled shot with just 5.5 seconds left. The Lightning would win in a shootout.

Washington: The Capitals had the best record in the NHL last season (56-18-8, 120 points) but after leading the Eastern Conference in scoring in 2015-16, have put up just seven goals in the first three games. The Capitals got off to a slow start on their power play this season, enduring a 0-for-8 drought but posted their initial two power-play goals in Tuesday's win. "The power play wasn't bad, but we talked about needing a little bit more execution and a little bit more finish," Washington coach Barry Trotz told reporters. "They were sharper, and then they got rewarded."

The Panthers won the Atlantic Division last season, setting franchise records for victories (47) and points (103). Florida was aggressive in the offseason, changing their uniforms, promoting Tom Rowe to GM and re-signing many of their core players. However, they also brought in nine new players. So far, they have meshed well. Goalie Roberto Luongo, who was rested Tuesday, is expected back in net after stopping 44 of 46 shots in the first two games.

The pick: Holtby (1.45 GAA and a .942 save percentage) is expected to be in net against Luongo (0.98 GAA and .957 save percentage) but watch out, these teams have the ability to score. Washington was 2-of-5 on power-play chances the last time out and Alex Ovechkin told the media after the game, "We have so much skill with the five guys who play there, and we use it." Ovechkin notched his first goal Tuesday and has tallied 33 times in 54 career games against Florida. The Over is a 10* play.