The Washington Capitals defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1 at United Center on Friday night, snapping Chicago's four-game winning streak in front of a home crowd.
Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist, and the Capitals dominated from the opening puck drop. Washington improved to 23-16-6 on the season while Chicago fell to 18-19-7.
The Blackhawks were significantly hampered by illness that swept through the locker room. Goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom were scratched, along with forward Ilya Mikheyev and defenseman Louis Crevier. Drew Commesso made his second career NHL start in emergency duty, stopping 19 of 24 shots.
Bedard Returns, but Blackhawks Struggle
Connor Bedard returned to the lineup after missing 12 games with a shoulder injury. Bedard skated for more than 17 minutes and registered four shots on goal, but was held off the scoresheet in Chicago's lopsided loss. The Blackhawks went 5-6-1 during his absence.
First Period Onslaught
The Capitals grabbed control with three goals in the first period. Anthony Beauvillier opened the scoring at 4:03, tipping home a great pass from Martin Fehervary.
Connor McMichael extended Washington's lead at 15:07, slipping a shot between Commesso's legs. Ethen Frank capped the period at 18:54, giving the Capitals a commanding 3-0 advantage heading into the first intermission.
Second Period
Oliver Moore got Chicago on the board at 8:48 of the second period with a power-play goal, his first of the season. Matt Grzelcyk and Nick Lardis assisted on the play.
However, Washington responded at 12:38 when Justin Sourdif scored his ninth goal of the season. Sourdif has six goals in his last six games, providing a spark for the Capitals' offense.
Ovechkin Extends Records
Alex Ovechkin added a third-period goal at 13:33, his 916th career goal and extending his NHL record to 187 different goaltenders scored on. The 40-year-old winger has four goals in his last three games and continues his chase of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.
Statistical Breakdown
Logan Thompson was stellar in net for Washington, making 23 saves on 24 shots for a .958 save percentage. The Capitals shot 20.8 percent (5-for-24) while limiting Chicago to just 4.2 percent (1-for-24).
Washington went 0-for-4 on the power play, while Chicago converted one of five opportunities. Both teams finished with 24 shots on goal, but the Capitals' efficiency made the difference.
John Carlson and Martin Fehervary each recorded two assists for Washington. Fehervary finished with a plus-4 rating in 17:59 of ice time.
Perfect Penalty Kill Streak Ends
The Blackhawks had killed all eight penalties during their four-game winning streak, but that perfect stretch ended as they allowed Moore's power-play goal in the second period. Chicago was called for three penalties on the night.
Series Split
The victory splits the season series between the teams at one game apiece. Chicago defeated Washington 3-2 in a shootout on January 3 at United Center, with Nick Foligno scoring the decisive goal in the sixth round.
Game Highlights
Next Up
The Blackhawks travel to Nashville to face the Predators on Saturday night.
The Capitals visit the Predators on Sunday night.