Ovechkin helps Caps overcome Canadiens
Alex Ovechkin returned from an injury to combine with Jason Chimera on a pair of goals 16 seconds apart Friday night, and the Washington Capitals ended a three-game losing streak by beating the visiting Montreal Canadiens 4-1.
Two-time MVP Ovechkin is having what might wind up as his worst NHL season, with only 25 goals and 21 assists so far.
But Ovechkin's slap shot from the left circle off Dmitry Orlov's pass eluded goalie Carey Price at 8:58 of the second period, while Chimera's breakaway goal still was being announced over the loudspeakers.
Avalanche 5, Blue Jackets 0 • David Jones scored twice and had an assist and Semyon Valamov turned away 28 shots to lead Colorado to a rout of host Columbus. The Avalanche won a second game in a row for the first time since Dec. 31.
Islanders 4, Rangers 3 • P.A. Parenteau scored two goals in regulation and linemate Matt Moulson netted the winner in a shootout as the New York Islanders outlasted the visiting New York Rangers.
Evgeni Nabokov returned after a bout with the flu and made 33 traditional saves and three more in the shootout.
Canucks 2, Devils 1 • Cory Schneider had 30 saves and Aaron Rome and Mason Raymond scored goals as Vancouver won on the road.
Sabres 2, Bruins 1 • Derek Roy scored the decisive shootout goal and Ryan Miller made 35 saves through regulation in lifting Buffalo to victory over visiting Boston.
Stars 4, Wild 1 • Tom Wandell had two goals, and Loui Eriksson and Eric Nystrom each added one in Dallas' win at home.
Associated Press
