Alex Ovechkin scored twice in a 28-second span of the second period, and the Washington Capitals beat the visiting San Jose Sharks 4-1 on Thursday night to end a four-game losing streak.
Ovechkin's two goals provided Washington with a 3-1 lead and gave him seven in seven games. The Sharks were the only NHL team he had never scored a goal against.
Alexander Semin and Matt Bradley also scored for the Capitals.
Also Thursday
Red Wings 5, Kings 2: Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European defenseman and eighth overall to reach 1,000 points, assisting on two goals for host Detroit.
Senators 7, Lightning 1: Milan Michalek had his first three-goal game in the NHL, scoring twice short-handed and once on a power play for host Ottawa.
Avalanche 3, Canadiens 2: Ryan O'Reilly scored his first NHL goal with 6:13 left to help Colorado spoil the Canadiens' 100th home opener.
Late Wednesday
Ducks 3, Wild 2: Corey Perry scored two goals in the first 81/2 minutes, and Jonas Hiller made 32 saves for host Anaheim.
Note
Fedorov sues former lawyers: Ex-Detroit Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov is suing his former Michigan attorneys, claiming they share responsibility for the loss of millions of dollars invested with another client.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday he has met with forward Tuomo Ruutu to discuss Ruutu's future with the team, and said a decision should be reached next week. 
Anthony Stewart is still a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. 
Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes won the Calder Trophy last year as the NHL's best rookie. 
The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Anthony Stewart to a two-year free-agent contract after last season, hoping he could help make up for the loss of Erik Cole. 
Jeff Skinner's hard-working goal barely three minutes into the third period pushed the Carolina Hurricanes ahead, and they held on for the 2-1 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 18,680. 
Jeff Skinner's goal early in the third period was the difference as the Carolina Hurricanes rallied Saturday to top the L.A. Kings 2-1 at the RBC Center. 
The Carolina Hurricanes realize the importance of time. In a 3-0 victory Thursday over the Boston Bruins, the Canes shortened their playing shifts on the ice and were the fresher team over the full 60 minutes. 
Sweeping the defending Stanley Cup champions is nice, but the Carolina Hurricanes would trade all four wins for a better spot in the standings. 
The Carolina Hurricanes aren't sure which team they'll be playing tonight - the Boston Bruins, or the Boston Brawlers. 
For a long time Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes struggled to get the puck past unheralded 21-year-old goalie Kevin Poulin, who was playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League last week. Keep up with the latest sports stories with our free e-mail newsletters, delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Hurricanes - it's free!
Subscribe to College Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Duke - it's free!
Subscribe to ECU - it's free!
Subscribe to NCSU - it's free!
Subscribe to UNC - it's free!
Subscribe to Wake Forest - it's free!
Subscribe to Preps - it's free!
