Hornqvist leads Pens past Caps
WASHINGTON Patric Hornqvist scored a power-play goal and assisted on another in his season debut to help the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Wednesday night in their first meeting since the playoffs.
Hornqvist assisted on a goal by Kris Letang, the defenceman’s first since Feb. 4 after missing the end of last season and playoffs because of neck surgery. Hornqvist, who scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal last spring despite a broken finger on his right hand, was playing for the first time since off-season surgery to repair it.
Conor Sheary scored the Penguins’ third goal as they went 3 for 6 on the power play. The Capitals’ six minor penalties were a season high and contributed to their first regulation loss.
Alex Ovechkin scored his NHL-leading eighth goal of the season in the Capitals’ fourth game.
Matt Murray stopped 20 of the 22 shots he faced to pick up the victory. Braden Holtby made 33 saves for Washington.
DEVILS 6, MAPLE LEAFS 3
TORONTO — Brian Gibbons had a rare 3on-5 goal, Miles Wood and Pavel Zacha each scored twice and unbeaten New Jersey beat Toronto to end the Maple Leafs’ perfect start.
Blake Coleman also scored, and Cory Schneider made 47 saves to help New Jersey open 3-0-0 for the first time since 2014-15.
Tied 2-2 after 20 minutes, New Jersey scored twice in the second period despite being outshot 17-12.