Pivonka

LANDOVER -- The Washington Capitals played one of their best games of the season, got a performance from goaltender Jim Carey that at times bordered on spectacular, and beat the New York Rangers last night, 3-2.The victory lifts Washington's record to 14-13-3, putting the Capitals over .500 for the first time since Nov. 29 and extending their unbeaten streak to four games.It was the second straight loss for the Rangers (20-10-5), whose 10-game unbeaten streak ended Friday in Buffalo.Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 18,130 for the fifth time this season, the Capitals did everything right and left to a standing ovation at USAir Arena.

The agent for unsigned forwards Peter Bondra and Michal Pivonka yesterday made a new offer to the Washington Capitals, saying the two players could be back on the ice for a total cost of "about $3 million.""Our offer would pay Peter less than Joe Juneau, but give him the capability of earning more," said Rich Winter, who represents both Bondra and Pivonka. "We've also back-ended it so that the lion's share of the burden will come after the team has moved into their new building."Capitals general manager David Poile said he will respond to the offer today.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- The goal judge had a shaky night, turning on the red light by mistake early in the game. That was the only time the lamp glowed red behind Don Beaupre. With some fortunate bounces and lots of help from his penalty-killing teammates, Beaupre gave the Washington Capitals their first shutout of the season last night, a 3-0 decision over the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum.Beaupre, making his first start since Jan. 1 due to a groin pull, made some mistakes but was sharp when he needed to be, as the Capitals atoned for Wednesday's sloppy outing in New York.

In yesterday's editions, it was reported incorrectly that the Washington Capitals' Bob Carpenter had scored his 600th National Hockey League goal. Carpenter actually reached 600 points for his career.The Sun regrets the errors.LANDOVER -- From the beginning, Washington Capitals coach Terry Murray said his team would be better once it got its ailing forwards -- Michal Pivonka and Dimitri Khristich -- back in the lineup.Perhaps Murray was doing more than simply protecting his players from the criticism a poor start can bring.

LANDOVER -- Peter Bondra, dressed all in black, entered the Washington Capitals' locker room last night to backslaps, broad smiles and welcome-home wishes.After a 39-day holdout, Bondra and the Capitals reached an agreement on a five-year, $9 million deal yesterday in time for 1995's leading NHL goal-scorer to climb into a uniform and onto the ice for last night's 7-4 loss to Los Angeles."I'm excited, relieved and very happy to have Peter under contract for the next five years," said Capitals general manager David Poile.

Opponent: Boston BruinsSite: FleetCenter, BostonTime: 7:30TV/Radio: Ch. 50/WWLG (1360 AM), WTEM (570 AM)Outlook: The Capitals (4-3) will attempt to break out of a mini-slump during which they have lost back-to-back games. They have had five days off and used them to try to improve their conditioning and reacquaint themselves with RW Peter Bondra and C Michal Pivonka, who returned to the team after reaching contract agreements. Pivonka, who must complete a three-game suspension for a playoff penalty last season, will not be available until the team plays in St. Louis Sunday.

VS. BLACKHAWKS* WHEN: Tonight, 8:35.* WHERE: Chicago Stadium.* RADIO: WCAO-AM 600.* OUTLOOK: A lackluster third period cost the Caps a 5-3 loss to the Rangers Monday on the first of a three-game trip. The Caps (18-17) are without Neil Sheehy, Alan May, Peter Zezel, Michal Pivonka and Jim Hrivnak. Soviet Dimitri Khristich is expected to play his first NHL game tonight. The Blackhawks (23-11-2) have been the best team in the NHL thus far, with 48 points. The Caps finish their trip in St. Louis tomorrow (HTS)

LANDOVER -- The new-look Philadelphia Flyers got the same old results at the Capital Centre last night.Philadelphia has not won a game at the Capital Centre since Dec. 1, 1989, and nothing changed last night.Not even the presence of recently acquired right wing Mark Recchi and defenseman Brian Benning could change the Flyers' fortunes in an emotional Patrick Division game before a sellout crowd of 18,130.Recchi scored 33 goals for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, and he scored two more last night in his debut with the Flyers.

LANDOVER -- Rod Langway had a headache and a beat-up nose last night. He played only one period, but that was all he was needed."I can't see any flaws in our game," said the Washington Capitals defenseman, who was hit in the head Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. "And when that happens, you're going to win games."Washington isn't just winning games, it is embarrassing a lot of supposedly good teams in the NHL.This time, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins got thrashed, 6-2, before a sellout crowd of 18,130 at the Capital Centre.