Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) fails to get the puck into the net as Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis McElhinney (35) defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
TORONTO (AP) - Lars Eller and Kevin Shattenkirk gave Washington a two-goal lead halfway through the game, and the Capitals cruised to a 4-1 win over Toronto on Tuesday night, snapping the Maple Leafs' four-game winning streak.
Nate Schmidt and Tom Wilson also scored for Washington and Philipp Grubauer stopped 27 shots. The Capitals, winners of eight of their last nine, moved closer to clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference and the Presidents' Trophy with the league's best record. However, Pittsburgh's win over Columbus prevented them from doing so.
Mitch Marner scored his 19th of the season, spoiling Grubauer's shutout bid with a power-play goal with 1:08 to go. Curtis McElhinney finished with 34 saves for the Maple Leafs, who lost for just the second time in nine games.
Toronto lost center Brian Boyle to an upper-body injury, possibly from a hard collision with Wilson in the first period.
Washington Capitals defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) defends as Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) makes an attempt on goal while Maple Leafs goalie Curtis McElhinney (35) watches during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) gets congratulated after assisting on teammate Kevin Shattenkirk's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) gets congratulated after assisting on teammate Kevin Shattenkirk's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis McElhinney (35) defends as Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) shoots during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) skates past as Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10) and left wing Andre Burakovsky (65) celebrate with center Lars Eller (20) after Eller's goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) celebrates his goal with right wing Brett Connolly (10) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) vie for position during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis McElhinney (35) looks back as the puck crosses the goal line for a goal by Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) goal, as Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) watches during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Hunwick (2) vie for control of the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press