Capitals-Maple Leafs: Washington Takes Victory in Toronto

The Washington Capitals (15-9-3-33, first in Southeast) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (9-12-6-24) in a tight, tense match before 19,416 fans at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

Caps defenseman Milan Jurcina broke a 1-1 tie at 7:12 of the third period, just one minute after Nik Antropov had tied it up on the powerplay.

Toronto lost two players during the game to injury: defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Niklas Hagman. Coach Ron Wilson's bench was already worn down, as last night was the Leafs' fourth game in six days.

Schenn left with a lower body injury after being checked by Alex Ovechkin, while Hagman took a knee to the head and was still groggy after the game.

Washington got a goal and assist from rookie defenseman Karl Alzner. He also blocked three shots and led the defense in shifts and minutes. Alzner's play has picked up considerably in the last couple of games since a poor showing against Florida last week.

Ovechkin called the game "boring" afterward, but he tried to make the most of it during the game, leading the team in shots (seven) and hits (six).

Goalie Brent Johnson (7-4-3, 2.59, .913) saved 19-of-20 shots he faced for the win. The Caps outshot the Leafs, 30-20. Toronto goalie Vesa Toskala made 28 saves in the loss.

Forward Eric Fehr left the game after injuring his shoulder by colliding with the end boards. He is listed day-to-day, and the team recalled AHL leading goal scorer Alexandre Giroux from Hershey as a precaution.

The Caps are now missing eight players who started the season on the opening-night roster, in addition to Tyler Sloan, himself an injury call-up, who missed last night's game with a foot injury. Sean Collins made his NHL debut last night in Sloan's place.

Washington faces the Carolina Hurricanes (12-12-3-27, second in Southeast) at 5 p.m. today from the RBC Center.

Carolina has lost it's last three games at home. Washington has won both matchups between the teams this season.

SCORESHEET

WAS: Alzner (1) unassisted (2-1:41); Jurcina (2) from Nylander and Alzner (3-7:12)

TOR: Antropov (10) from Stajan and Kaberle (3-6:12-PP)

THREE STARS

1. A. Ovechkin - WAS (Goals: 0, Assists: 0)

2. K. Alzner - WAS (Goals: 1, Assists: 1)

3. V. Toskala - TOR (Saves: 28, Save Pct: .933)