Panthers come up short in 4-3 loss to Capitals

The Florida Panthers opened a three-game road trip with a sloppy 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, wasting standout performances from both Tkachuk brothers.

A poor clear by Akira Schmid led to the first Washington goal 2:21 into the tilt. Jack St. Ivany collected the puck along the right boards and snapped off a shot that struck the ice and flew past a handcuffed Schmid’s glove, giving the 27-year-old journeyman blueliner his first NHL goal.

Brady Tkachuk replied 52 second later, taking the puck away from Dylan Strome after he fanned on it and then centering in front to brother Matthew. Logan Thompson came up with the intial save, but Brady followed up and was able to…