Capitals’ top line topples Blackhawks

Tom Wilson had two goals and two assists and Alex Ovechkin had a goal and three assists in the Washington Capitals’ 6-2 victory over the struggling Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

Nicklas Backstrom ended a 21-game stretch without a goal and added two assists, and Washington’s top-line trio each scored a goal in the first period when the Capitals opened a 3-0 lead. Backstrom hadn’t scored since Oct. 14, matching the longest drought of his career.

“It’s funny. Me and Tom have a chat today and said, ‘Let’s set up Backy.’ And we did and he scored a goal,” Ovechkin said. “He’s not a goal scorer. He’s more a passer ... but it’s nice to put him on the board.”

Braden Holtby made 37 saves for Washington to help the Capitals win for the sixth time in seven games.

The Blackhawks fell to 0-3-2 in their last five. MAPLE LEAFS 2, FLAMES 1, SO>> Frederik Andersen made 47 saves in regulation and overtime and stopped three more shots in a shootout, leading Toronto over Calgary. William Nylander scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout, deking to the backhand to beat Mike Smith.

FLYERS 4, OILERS 2 >> Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist and Philadelphia recorded back-to-back wins after losing 10 in a row. Jordan Weal, Dale Weise and Michael Raffl also scored for the Flyers.

DUCKS 3, SENATORS 0 >> Ryan Miller made 29 stops to record the 40th shutout of his career, Adam Henrique scored his first two goals as a Duck, and Anaheim topped Ottawa.