SUNRISE, Fla. – Nothing like a little home cooking after a long road trip.

Kicking off a five-game homestand, the Florida Panthers (8-7-1) will clash with the Washington Capitals (8-7-1) at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

“They’re a really, really good team,” head coach Paul Maurice said of the visiting Capitals. “They’re a contending team. I don’t’ think the record matters much – they’re solid.”

Getting a boost in their own barn, the Panthers are 5-1-1 at home this season.

“It’s fun playing in front of our fans,” forward Carter Verhaeghe said.

Going 2-2-0 on their four-game road trip, the Panthers closed out their trek out west with a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Monday.

Jesper Boqvist, Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart all found the back of

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