28 December 2009 / AP, WASHINGTON
The Washington Capitals leapfrogged New Jersey to the top of the NHL standings with a 4-1 win over the Devils on Saturday.
Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom each had a goal and two assists for Washington, which has 54 points, one more than New Jersey and Pittsburgh. Washington won its third straight and ended New Jersey’s five-game winning streak. Mike Green and Matt Bradley added goals for Washington, while Rod Pelley scored for New Jersey. In Nashville, Tennessee, Chicago maintained its lead in the Western Conference by beating Nashville 4-1. Other NHL results: Ottawa 3, Buffalo 2, SO; Philadelphia 4, Carolina 3, SO; Montreal 3, Toronto 2, OT; Detroit 2, Columbus 1; NY Islanders 3, NY Rangers 2, OT; Tampa Bay 4, Atlanta 3; Minnesota 4, St. Louis 3; Phoenix 3, Los Angeles 2; Colorado 4, Dallas 1; Vancouver 4, Edmonton 1; San Jose 5, Anaheim 2.
