Ovechkin scores winner, Capitals edge Senators 2-1

Posted February 04, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period on an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) The Associated Press

OTTAWA (AP) - Alex Ovechkin scored the winning goal Thursday night as the Washington Capitals defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-1.

Evgeny Kuznetsov also scored for the Capitals as Braden Holtby picked up his 25th win of the season by stopping 25 shots.

Kyle Turris scored the lone Ottawa goal, and Robin Lehner made 27 saves.

Trailing 2-1 to start the third period, the Senators did their best to score the equalizer but couldn't find a way to beat Holtby.

Thursday's game was a milestone for defenseman Chris Phillips, who set the franchise record by playing in his 1,179th game to surpass Daniel Alfredsson. Alfredsson and former teammate Wade Redden were on hand for the occasion.

There was little excitement for the 16,543 on hand at Canadian Tire Centre in a scoreless first period. But Ovechkin made an impact early in the second as he drove Erik Karlsson into the boards.

Ottawa took exception to the play and it resulted in Bobby Ryan and Ovechkin each taking roughing minors.

Turris opened the scoring midway through the second as Ottawa was rewarded for some solid work down low. Turris took a pass from Mark Stone and beat Holtby with a shot under the crossbar. It was Turris' first goal since Jan. 4.

The lead was short-lived as the Capitals scored two unanswered goals 49 seconds apart. Kuznetsov tied the game by putting home a rebound, and soon after Ovechkin hit the puck out of midair to beat Lehner.

Notes: D Mark Borowiecki and D Patrick Wiercioch were healthy scratches. G Craig Anderson and RW Alex Chiasson (lower body) are day to day for the Senators. C Michael Latta, LW Aaron Volpatti and D Cameron Schilling were healthy scratches for Washington.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Phillips pressures Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) as he tries to tip a shot during the first period on an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) The Associated Press

Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner makes a save on Washington Capitals center Jay Beagle during the second period on an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) The Associated Press

Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan and Marc Methot take exception with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he hit Senators Erik Karlsson, right, along the boards during the second period on an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) The Associated Press

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin battles with Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson in front of Senators goalie Robin Lehner during the second period on an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) The Associated Press

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