(Best E Casino) - The first-place Philadelphia Flyers will try to win for the fifth time in six games tonight, when they welcome the Washington Capitals for a battle at the Wachovia Center.

The Flyers took over sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division on Tuesday, as they posted a close victory in Atlanta. Philly has now won eight of its last 10 contests and is 14-3-1 over its previous 18 outings.

Philadelphia won its second straight game on Tuesday, as Steve Downie scored late in the third period to lift the Flyers to a 3-2 win at Philips Arena.

Mike Richards posted a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who have won their last six road contests. Mike Knuble also notched a goal to give him four tallies in his last two contests. Knuble recorded his first career hat trick in his 707th NHL game against Anaheim on Saturday.

In addition, the Flyers improved to 12-0-1 against the Thrashers since a 4-1 loss in Atlanta on December 21, 2003, having won nine straight meetings. Their only loss in that span was a 6-5 overtime defeat in Philadelphia on November 18, 2005.

Antero Niittymaki made 23 saves for his 10th win of the year, as the Flyers vaulted over idle New Jersey and Pittsburgh to take a two-point lead in the Atlantic.

The Flyers are playing the first of back-to-back games tonight as they will also invite the rival New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon. Philly is 13-7-5 as the host this season and has won five of its last seven home tilts.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are coming off Tuesday's thrilling victory in Columbus. Alex Ovechkin scored two goals, including the game-winner 2:28 into overtime, as Washington came from behind to beat the Blue Jackets, 4-3.

The Caps trailed 3-2 early in the third period, but Tom Poti scored with just under seven minutes left in regulation to tie the game.

Ovechkin then sealed the win in OT as he got the puck toward the inner edge of the right circle, and fired off a snap shot that went between Fredrik Norrena's pads. He also had the Capitals' first goal of the night. The Russian superstar leads the NHL in both goals (45) and points (72) this season.

Poti had a goal and assist for Washington, which has won two of three, both wins coming in overtime. Alexander Semin also scored, and Brent Johnson stopped 28-of-31 shots in the win.

Philadelphia has taken two of three from the Capitals this season, but Washington has won five of seven and six of the last 10 meetings overall. The Caps have also won three straight in Philadelphia after going 0-15 with a tie in their previous 16 stops in the City of Brotherly Love.