Washington Capitals top St. Louis Blues; aim for First place

The Washington Capitals played host to the Western Conference leading St. Louis Blues Sunday, but the Caps topped the best team in the Western Conference by a score of 4-1.  Captain Alex Ovechkin entered the contest down just one goal in the goal-scoring category to St. Louis Blue’s Alexander Steen.  This, however, was not the case after Ovechkin was dominant early scoring twice.  The first of Ovechkin’s goal came on an absolute rocket from the right wing in transition.  Then, Karl Alzner ripped a shot from the left wing, but Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak surrendered a rebound right to the backhand of Ovechkin.  The Caps still weren’t done in the opening period, as Mikhail Grabovski scored his eighth goal of the season on yet another rebound given up by Halak.

Nov 17, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42) moves forward on a breakaway against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

Washington and St. Louis each scored in the second period with the Blues initially cutting the Capitals lead to just two goals when Vladimir Sabotka scored a power play goal.  Washington responded almost immediately when John Karlson scored just four minutes later also on the power play.  Goaltender Braden Holtby has continued his hot streak recording 34 saves and keeping the potent Blues offense at bay. Washington proved themselves to be serious Stanley Cup contenders after their dispatching of the Blues Sunday.

Tonight, first place will be on the line as the Pittsburgh Penguins come to town hoping to break the Capitals six game home winning streak.