Capitals prove too slick for Ducks in shoot-out
Washington edged NHL leaders Anaheim in a shootout and Pittsburgh cruised past Calgary on Friday to further congest the crowded top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Pittsburgh’s win moved the Penguins back to the top of the Metropolitan Division — above the idle New York Islanders — while Washington remained just two points behind after beating the Ducks. The top six teams in the East are separated by just five points.
Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom scored in the shoot-out to give the Capitals a 3-2 win against Anaheim.
After Alex Ovechkin, Washington’s third shooter, failed to score, Anaheim had a chance to extend the game. But Washington goalie Philipp Grubauer — making his first appearance of the season — stopped Ryan Kesler.
Jason Chimera had a goal and an assist in regulation for Washington.
Kesler had a goal and an assist for the Ducks, who took a point and eked out their overall league lead to three points.
Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby had two goals and an assist to lead the Penguins to a 4-0 win at Calgary.
Marc-Andre Fleury emerged with his NHL-leading eighth shut-out of the season while David Perron and Brandon Sutter also scored for the Penguins.
Fleury made 21 saves to surpass Tom Barrasso’s club record for shutouts in a season.
Chicago’s Brandon Saad scored in overtime to lift the Blackhawks to a 2-1 win at Winnipeg.
Patrick Kane also scored for the Blackhawks.
Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets, who have not won in six games since the All-Star break.
Winnipeg announced before the game that Evander Kane will undergo left shoulder surgery and be out of the line-up for four to six months.
Columbus routed St Louis 7-1 on Friday, with Nick Foligno setting a career high with his 19th and 20th goals of the season and also contributing an assist.
New Jersey sent Toronto hurtling to a franchise-worst 11th straight loss, with Patrik Elias scoring his 400th career goal to help the Devils win 4-1.