Alex Ovechkin talks tough return, record chase after scoring empty-net goal in Capitals' 5-2 win (Source: Imagn)
The Washington Capitals beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday as Alex Ovechkin returned after missing 16 games with a broken fibula. He scored an empty-net goal to bring his career total to 869, putting him 26 away from Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.
The Capitals performed well in Ovechkin’s absence, going 10-5-1. Coming to Saturday's game, Andrew Mangiapane and Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist each. Logan Thompson made 35 saves in a strong performance for Washington. The Maple Leafs, struggling, are now 1-3-0 in their last four games.
The Maple Leafs opened the scoring when Simon Benoit’s shot deflected off Tavares at 3:14 of the first period. Mangiapane tied it 1-1 with a shot through Murray’s pads. Chychrun gave the Capitals the lead with a one-timer from the right circle. Thompson kept the lead intact with two key saves on William Nylander in the first period.
