The Washington Capitals (15-9-3-33, first in Southeast) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (9-12-6-24) in a tight, tense match before 19,416 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Caps defenseman Milan Jurcina broke a 1-1 tie at 7:12 of the third period just one minute after Nik Antropov had tied it up one a power play.
Toronto lost two players during the game to injury: D Luke Schenn and F Niklas Hagman. Coach Ron Wilson's bench was already worn down, as last night was their fourth game in six days. Schenn left with a lower body injury after being checked by Alex Ovechkin, while Hagman took a knee to the head and was still groggy after the game.
Washington got a goal and assist from rookie defenseman Karl Alzner, and he also blocked three shots and led the defense in shifts and minutes. Alzner's play has picked up considerably in the last couple of games, since a poor showing against Florida last week.
Ovechkin called the game "boring" after the game, but he tried to make the most of it during the game, leading the team in shots (7) and hits (6).
Goalie Brent Johnson (7-4-3, 2.59, .913) saved 19 of 20 shots he faced for the win. The Caps out shot the Leafs 30-20. Toronto G Vesa Toskala made 28 saves in the loss.
Forward Eric Fehr left the game after injuring his shoulder colliding with the end boards. He is listed day-to-day and the team recalled AHL leading goal scorer Alexandre Giroux from Hershey as a precaution.
The Caps are now missing eight players who started the season on the opening night roster, in addition to Tyler Sloan, himself an injury call-up, who missed last night's game with a foot injury. Sean Collins made his NHL debut last night in Sloan's place.
Washington faces the Carolina Hurricanes (12-12-3-27, second in Southeast) at 5:00 pm today from the RBC Center. Carolina has lost their last three games at home. Washington has won both matchups between the teams this season.
Washington faces the Carolina Hurricanes (12-12-3-27, second in Southeast) at 5:00 pm today from the RBC Center. Carolina has lost their last three games at home. Washington has won both matchups between the teams this season.
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SCORESHEET
WAS: Alzner (1) unassisted (2-1:41); Jurcina (2) from Nylander and Alzner (3-7:12)
TOR: Antropov (10) from Stajan and Kaberle (3-6:12-PP)
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THREE STARS
1. A. Ovechkin - WAS (Goals: 0, Assists: 0)
2. K. Alzner - WAS (Goals: 1, Assists: 1)
3. V. Toskala - TOR (Saves: 28, Save Pct: .933)
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