WASHINGTON -- Major sports return to the nation's capital with Washington playing Philadelphia in an NHL preseason game Tuesday night, nine blocks from the White House.

Fans can expect beefed-up security after MCI Center staff consulted with the FBI and the Secret Service.

The game, originally scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed along with all other weekend NHL exhibitions after the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.

"As always, we will follow the lead of the FBI, Secret Service, Metropolitan Police and other agencies," said Matt Williams, vice president of communications for Washington Sports and Entertainment. "Fans will see an increased presence at the arena entrances. However, many security measures are never seen by patrons."

The MCI Center often has been advised by federal authorities. President Clinton and members of his family and Cabinet attended several events there during his administration.

Williams urged fans not to bring packages, backpacks, briefcases or any large bags. Such items will be searched, and security guards will have the right to turn people away.

As of Monday, there were no plans to install metal detectors. However, Williams said the staff would follow any measures recommended by the federal authorities.

The increased presence at the entrances will include a mixture of police, event security and building security, Williams said.

The Flyers said they expected tighter security measures at the MCI Center.

"I don't see why it should be scary," captain Eric Desjardins said. "I believe they will have everything under control. We just have to go there and try to do our business as usual. But to go in there knowing what happened at the Pentagon is the worst thing about it.

"The best reaction is to go back to the life we had before."