National Hockey

WASHINGTON — Finally, the Washington Capitals cashed in on a power play at home and not a moment too soon. Alex Ovechkin snapped a home power-play drought and John Carlson scored the winner with 45.

When Rick Tocchet returns to Pittsburgh, he will see another Stanley Cup banner in the rafters and be celebrated for his part in the championship.

TORONTO — Mitch Marner looked at two things as he took his turn in the shootout. First, he had to get the puck under control as it skidded and bounced on the choppy Air Canada Centre ice.

TORONTO — The in-game camera focused on the Maple Leafs' entrance until Auston Matthews jumped on the ice for pre-game warmups, then it followed him as he circled around Toronto's net to emphasize that yes, the young superstar was going to play.

As impressive as it was that the Nashville Predators reached the Stanley Cup Final last spring without their top two centres , it was still a glaring need.

OTTAWA — After months of waiting, Matt Duchene feels he is finally closer to "playoff hockey." Duchene skated in his first practice with the Ottawa Senators on Monday, something he admitted was a bit surreal.

NEW YORK — Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was named NHL first star of the week Monday after posting consecutive shutouts last week. Crawford went 2-1-0 over three games with a 0.68 goals-against average and .979 save percentage.

CALGARY — Matthew Tkachuk's shootout arsenal has yet to fail him so far this season. Tkachuk scored the shootout winner on Sunday night to lead the Calgary Flames over the New Jersey Devils 5-4.

CHICAGO — Charlie Lindgren made 38 saves in his first career shutout, helping the Montreal Canadiens beat Corey Crawford and the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Sunday night.

NEW YORK — Mathew Barzal put on a passing clinic for the New York Islanders. Barzal had a franchise-rookie record five assists in the Islanders' 6-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night.