Ovechkin hit fuels rally
Montreal scored four goals in the second period following Alex Ovechkin’s thunderous hit on Jonathan Drouin and went on to win 52 on Friday night in Washington, ending the NHLleading Capitals’ 13game point streak. Drouin returned for the third period, and the Canadiens won their third in a row.
“I think it just woke us up,” Montreal’s Phillip Danault said. “... Jo took a hit for the team and came back and is healthy, so that’s all that matters.”
Danault, captain Shea Weber, Jordan Weal and Nick Suzuki each scored over a span of 8½ minutes after Ovechkin flattened Drouin with an openice hit that knocked him out for the rest of the second. Ovechkin appeared to leave his feet to deliver the blow, and Drouin was slow to get up before skating to the bench and going down the tunnel.
“It’s hockey; it’s not a ballet,” Ovechkin said. “It’s a hockey play. He didn’t see me. It’s a clear hit.”
Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 2: Brad Marchand scored two goals in the third period and visiting Boston beat Toronto. Charlie Coyle had a goal and an assist, and Zdeno Chara added a score for Boston. Tuukka Rask made 29 stops for the Bruins, who snapped a 0-2-2 slide. Auston Matthews and Kasperi Kapanen scored for the Leafs, who have dropped four straight games.
Devils 2, Penguins 1: Mackenzie Blackwood made 38 saves as host New Jersey beat Pittsburgh. Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman scored for the Devils. It was Pittsburgh’s second game without star center Sidney Crosby, who is expected to miss at least six weeks following surgery for a core muscle injury.
Senators 2, Flyers 1: Filip Chlapik scored Nilsson Ottawa in made killed the second off 26 a saves late period, four-minute and host Anders power play to beat Philadelphia. Ottawa’s Colin White took a double minor for high-sticking Claude Giroux with just over four minutes remaining in the game. The Flyers pulled Carter Hart for a two-man advantage, but were unable to get the equalizer. Tyler Ennis also scored for the Senators, who have won four of their past five.
Blue Jackets 3, Blues 2: Zach Werenski scored 3:34 into overtime to give host Columbus a win over St. Louis. Vladislav Gavrikov scored his first NHL goal for the Blue Jackets, who stopped a two-game slide.