Thanks to a few lucky bounces, Florida (10-11-3) scored three times in the second period to take control – two of those goals deflecting off Caps players – and held on to remain unbeaten in its last five games.

Forward Nicklas Backstrom produced one of Washington’s three goals – ironically also a deflection off Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester during a power play – and added an assist. Forward Tomas Fleischmann recorded a power-play goal and an assist for the Caps as well.

“I think we came out like everybody thought this would be an easy game,” Backstrom said. “We didn’t compete. That’s what it is right now. It’s not an easy game in the NHL so we have to learn and keep going next game.”

Washington’s first power-play goal came at 15 minutes, 57 seconds of the opening period. Backstrom’s pass ricocheted off Bouwmeester in front and skipped by Panthers goalie Craig Anderson (23 saves) for a 1-0 lead.

But the second period was a different story. The Panthers scored three times on just nine shots against Caps goalie Jose Theodore (17 saves). Forward Ville Peltonen tied the game at 1 when he gained space against rookie defenseman Karl Alzner and ripped a shot over Theodore’s shoulder.

“I thought that first goal was gettable,” said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. “It’s easy to look at fault. But [Theodore] was like the rest of the team…He probably wasn’t worse than some of our players, but because he’s the last line of defense everybody sees it.”

No Panther was within 30 feet of the puck when the second goal was scored at 7:28. Instead, Caps forward David Steckel accidentally banked a cross-ice clearing attempt off the skate of Alzner and it slipped right through Theodore’s pads for a 2-1 Florida lead. Bouwmeester was the closest Panther to the play and received credit for the power-play goal.

At 12:09 of the second, Florida struck again on the power play. With Caps forward Eric Fehr off for a delay-of-game penalty, defenseman Bryan McCabe’s shot deflected off Caps defenseman Shaone Morrisonn. Theodore was also effectively screened and the puck sailed past him for a 3-1 lead. That completed an ugly period where the Caps generated just six shots on Anderson and no power-play chances.

“Nothing really went our way, but we didn’t work for our opportunities,” said Caps defenseman Tyler Sloan. “We didn’t get any puck bounces because we didn’t work for them. It’s unacceptable for the first game of the week and a big week for us, a home game.”

A Radek Dvorak goal made it 4-1 for Florida at 4:45 of the third. Late goals for the Caps by Viktor Kozlov (16:11) and Fleischmann (17:02) gave them a chance. But Panthers forward Gregory Campbell added an empty-netter with 1:00 left to seal the win.

“Guys are supposed to come in there and play,” Boudreau said. “If you really want to be a great player in hockey – or any sport – you see somebody hurt and you go ‘Okay, this is my time to shine.’ I don’t believe in excuses for injuries.”

Caps notes

» The two teams combined for just 27 shots through the first two periods. They had 21 in the third period alone. Washington finished with a 26-22 shot advantage.

» Both teams were 2-for-4 on the power play. The Panthers entered the game ranked 28th in the NHL with the man advantage.

» Washington fell to 13-9-3 with the loss. The Caps have 29 points and remain in first place in the Southeast Division. 

» Tuesday’s attendance was the lowest of the season so far with 16,792 fans. It is only the second time in 11 home games the Caps have drawn below 17,000. Capacity at Verizon Center for hockey is 18,277.

» The Florida game was the second and last of the year to be blacked out on local television. The contest conflicted with a national television game on Versus, which has exclusive NHL broadcast rights on Tuesdays.

» The first-period goal was Washington’s 29th of the season, the second-best total in the NHL.

» Defenseman Sami Lepisto now has three assists in four games since a recall from AHL Hershey last week.

» Caps forward Tomas Fleischmann tied his career-high for goals (10) set last season in 71 games. He also has points in eight of his last nine games.