(My Sportsbook) - Two teams striving to reach the top spot in the Southeast Division clash Friday when the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Washington Capitals to RBC Center.

Tampa Bay leads the division with 45 points, but both the Caps and Canes aren't far behind. Washington is two points off the pace, while Carolina is four back.

Carolina enters tonight's action 1-5-1 in its last seven games, including Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. Jeff O'Neill scored a power-play goal early in the third period, but at that time New York had already built a 4-0 lead. Arturs Irbe allowed four goals on 20 shots before being replaced by Kevin Weekes to start the final frame.

"We know inside that locker room that we have the confidence to be able to get back on track," defenseman Glen Wesley told the Raleigh News and Observer. "We know we've been able to do it in the past, especially in the second half when we've played really well. Everybody has that confidence in the locker room that we can get this thing turned around, and hopefully we can start with that [against Washington]."

Washington, meanwhile, is winless in its last three games (0-0-2-1) but hasn't fallen in regulation in 10 straight (5-0-3-2). Last Saturday the Capitals skated to a 2-2 tie with the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mike Grier and Robert Lang scored second-period goals to provide a 2-1 lead, but New York's Matthew Barnaby forced the stalemate 16:23 into the third period. Olaf Kolzig finished with 28 saves.

The Caps have played three consecutive overtime games, and four of their last five matches have needed an extra period. They have had 27 of their 41 games decided by one goal or less this season, including the past six. In one-or less-goal games, the Capitals are 11-9-5-2.

Washington, 7-11-4-1 on the road, will open a three-game homestand Saturday against Florida.

The Capitals defeated the Hurricanes, 2-1, on October 17 and are 3-0-2 in the last five meetings. Washington is 2-0-1 in its last three trips to Raleigh.

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Friday's tilt will kick off a four-game homestand for Carolina, which is just 1-3-1 in its last five tries in Raleigh. The Canes will welcome Colorado to town on Sunday.