NHL ROUNDUP : Capitals Beat Powerless Panthers Again

The Florida Panthers, two weeks ago golden in their bid for a playoff spot in their first season of existence, have become tarnished, with the Washington Capitals doing much of the damage.

The two teams played a home-and-home series on Thursday and Saturday, Washington winning both games, the last, 4-2, at Landover, Md.

The victories put the Capitals four points ahead of Florida and in seventh place in the East. Eight teams make the playoffs.

The Panthers have lost five of their last six games, chiefly because of a powerless play. They have scored on only two of their last 30 power plays.

“It’s definitely been costing us games,” Florida’s Scott Mellanby said. “They had two power-play goals tonight. That’s what wins you games in the league--and that’s what loses you games.”

Calle Johansson and Mike Ridley scored the power-play goals for Washington.

Dallas 3, New York 1--Goaltender Andy Moog won for the 299th time in leading the Stars at Dallas.

The game was marred by a head injury to the Stars’ scoring leader, Mike Modano, who was checked so hard by the Rangers’ Mark Messier that his helmet flew off and his head struck the ice.

Modano lay on the ice for five minutes before being taken to a hospital because of a cut on the back of his head. He was conscious and moving before leaving the arena, but attendants reportedly dropped him as his stretcher was being lifted into the ambulance.

St. Louis 11, Ottawa 1--Brendan Shanahan had three goals and two assists as the Blues set team records for offense and biggest margin of victory and handed the Senators their worst home loss,

Montreal 3, Toronto 0--Patrick Roy stopped 39 shots for his seventh shutout of the season as the Canadiens won at Toronto.

Pittsburgh 4, Buffalo 3--Jaromir Jagr scored twice in the third period at Pittsburgh, where the Penguins also got a goal from Mario Lemieux. His back was well enough for him to play for only the second time in the last six games, the eighth time in 62.

Detroit 2, San Jose 0--Chris Osgood made 22 saves for his second consecutive shutout at Detroit, and the Red Wings extended their dominance over the Sharks to 9-1-1.

Hartford 1, New Jersey 1--Michael Nylander scored on a rebound in the third period as the Whalers rallied at home.

Vancouver 3, Tampa Bay 1--Jyrki Lumme’s short-handed goal in the third period helped the Canucks win at home.