Alex Ovechkin scores in return as Caps take down Leafs

Field Level Media|published: Sat 28th December, 22:02 2024

NHL: Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs

Dec 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) clears the puck after goalie Matt Murray (30) made a save against Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin scored into an empty net in his return from a broken fibula and the visiting Washington Capitals defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Saturday night.

It was Ovechkin's 869th goal, leaving him just 26 shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894. The Russian superstar missed 16 games with the injury.

Andrew Mangiapane and Jakob Chychrun each added a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who have won three of four. Nic Dowd and Tom Wilson also scored and Logan Thompson made 35 saves.

John Tavares and Bobby McMann scored for the Maple Leafs, who have lost three of four. Matt Murray stopped 27 shots.

The teams split two previous games this season with the road team winning each time.

Washington was playing for the first time since Monday while Toronto won 5-2 at the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.

Tavares deflected Simon Benoit's shot to open the scoring at 3:14 of the first period.

Washington answered 1:32 later when Mangiapane snapped a 28-footer from the left circle that trickled past Murray.

Chychrun's slap shot from the right circle on a pass from Trevor van Riemsdyk gave Washington a 2-1 lead at 8:54 of the first.

Thompson foiled William Nylander twice with strong saves.

Washington's John Carlson hit the goal post with a shot at 6:51 of the second period.

McMann tied the game at 8:10 of the second, knocking in his own rebound to finish a two-on-one break with Max Domi.

Washington responded 1:43 later when Dowd scored from a sharp angle on a pass from former Maple Leaf Rasmus Sandin. Dowd's tally put the Capitals ahead to stay.

Thompson made another good save at 3:53 of the third period on Toronto's second power play of the game on a deflection.

The Capitals scored on their first power play when Wilson tipped on Chychrun's shot at 12:36 of the third for a 4-2 lead. Jake McCabe was off for hooking.

Ovechkin scored at 16:37 of the third.

Toronto star Auston Matthews (upper-body injury) missed his fourth consecutive game.

--Field Level Media

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