LANDOVER -- Washington center Dale Hunter missed Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with the Pittsburgh Penguins last night.

It is the second time Hunter has missed a playoff game in his 14 seasons. The last time was in 1985, when he was with the Quebec Nordiques.

Hunter suffered what was termed a "sore leg" when he was tripped in the second period of Game 2. He didn't skate Wednesday, but team officials had anticipated Hunter would be ready for last night's game.

But by yesterday morning, the injury had become worse and the team thinks it might be a hip flexor injury.