WASHINGTON (AP) — Logan Thompson earned his second shutout of the season, Jakob Chychrun scored twice and the Washington Capitals rebounded from two tough losses to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Thursday night.
The Capitals lost to Winnipeg and Minnesota by a combined score of 10-1, but Aliakse Protas and Chikrun scored in the first period against Toronto. Thompson took the early lead, finishing with 22 saves and his eighth career shutout.
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Chichrun’s goal in the third period made it 3-0, his 14th goal of the season, tied with Alex Ovechkin for second on the team behind Tom Wilson’s 17 goals. Chichlen nearly completed his hat trick, hitting the post with 3 1/2 minutes remaining.
John Carlson also scored in the final period.
Washington’s Sonny Milano hit the post in the first period and Protas scored his 11th goal of the season. Justin Sourdif, who did a lot of work in the game to get the assist, controlled the puck in front, then worked a stick around goaltender Dennis Hildeby and slid the puck in front for Protas to score.
Hilderby lost position when the ball sailed off the end boards toward Chichlen, who scored.
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Chichlen’s second goal came seconds after a Capitals defender made a minor gaffe. He moved the puck to the right spot, obviously thinking his teammates would be there, but the only person nearby was an official.
After the puck went out of bounds, three Toronto players made substitutions, and Chichlen returned to the penalty area with the puck, beating Hilderby from the left circle.
Next
Maple Leafs: At Nashville on Saturday night.
Capitals: Host Detroit on Saturday.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
