Alex Ovechkin was kicked out early, the Washington Capitals trailed in the third period, 3-0, and that’s when they showed why they have the NHL’s best record and highest-scoring offense.
Nicklas Backstrom scored unassisted with 1:50 left in overtime — his second goal of the game — to give the Capitals a 4-3 comeback victory in Chicago yesterday.
After his sprint up the side, Backstrom maneuvered around Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook in the left circle and beat Antti Niemi.
Ovechkin, the two-time MVP and the league’s leading scorer this season, got a game misconduct in the first period for knocking Chicago’s Brian Campbell into the boards. Campbell stayed down for several minutes before he was able to leave the ice with a trainer at his side and then headed to the locker room. He did not return to the game. He has an upper-body injury and will not make the Blackhawks’ upcoming trip to the West Coast.
“There’s nothing I can do right now. He just fell and this happens,’’ Ovechkin said.
Jonathan Toews had two goals and John Madden scored once for the Blackhawks, who had their second crushing defeat in as many days. They lost, 3-2, in Philadelphia Saturday, giving up two goals in the final two minutes, including the winner with two seconds to go.
Brooks Laich scored on a power play at 5:29 to make it 3-1. A couple of seconds after the Capitals’ 5-on-3 power play had elapsed, Backstrom converted a rebound at 7:32. Thirteen seconds later, Eric Fehr scored from just outside the crease, tying the game, silencing the crowd at the United Center, and forcing Chicago to take a timeout.
Rangers 3, Flyers 1 — Sean Avery returned from a one-game benching and scored twice to help host New York earn a key victory over Philadelphia.
Avery sat out New York’s win at Atlanta Friday, but returned to the lineup and raised his agitating style to the level coach John Tortorella demanded. He got the Rangers even in the second period and drew three Philadelphia penalties.
Ducks 4, Sharks 2 — Teemu Selanne scored his 599th goal to help host Anaheim snap a five-game winless streak with a victory over San Jose.
Selanne gave the Ducks a scare early in the third period, when his head and left shoulder slammed into the boards after he failed to convert a pass from Saku Koivu and lost his balance. Selanne remained on the ice hunched over for a couple of minutes before making it back to the dressing room under his own power, but did not return.
Coyotes 3, Thrashers 2 — Adrian Aucoin scored the shootout winner and Lee Stempniak had his sixth goal in five games with Phoenix as the Coyotes won in Atlanta for their fifth straight victory.
Predators 3, Kings 2 — Patric Hornqvist scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:31 to play and Pekka Rinne made 18 saves as visiting Nashville won for the seventh straight time over Los Angeles.
Penguins 2, Lightning 1 — Pascal Dupuis and Sergei Gonchar scored in a 2:57 span in the third period and Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves to lead visiting Pittsburgh.
Islanders 4, Maple Leafs 1 — Richard Park scored a shorthanded goal and added an assist, and Martin Biron made 26 saves in New York’s home win over Toronto.
Wild 4, Blues 2 — Josh Harding made 36 saves and Mikko Koivu had a power-play goal and two assists for host Minnesota.
Avalanche 5, Stars 3 — Craig Anderson matched a season high with 48 saves and Paul Stastny scored twice as visiting Colorado rallied to beat Dallas.
Canucks 3, Flames 1 — Henrik and Daniel Sedin set each other up for first-period goals and Roberto Luongo made 32 saves for host Vancouver.
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