WASHINGTON — It wasn't the prettiest game for the Washington Capitals, but there was no shortage of excitement as they took on the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and pulled off a hard-earned win.

Four players had multi-point outings, and the Capitals rode two three-goal periods to a 6-3 win over Florida.

Here are all the takeaways from the team's ninth victory over the last 10 games.

Washington and Florida got off and running right away, with both sides ending up exchanging goal after goal through the opening 20.

It started with Connor McMichael burying a breakaway to make it 1-0 early on. Shortly after, though, a misplay from Logan Thompson led to an easy tap-in for Sam Bennett to even the score.

The Capitals were able to get the lead back as John Carlson ended a lengthy 25-game goal drought, but 1:36 minutes later, Seth Jones responded to pull Florida back into it. Anthony Beauvillier restored D.C.'s lead a minute later with a highlight-reel breakaway goal, but it took just 31 seconds for the Panthers to pull even again as Jonah Gadjovich beat Thompson on a quick shot in front.

Washington had the stronger period, outshooting Florida 15-9, but the Panthers were able to keep the pressure on. So, coming out for the second, the Capitals locked things down — and fast.

It took just seven seconds for Washington to make a statement and tilt the momentum back in its favor, as Tom Wison turned on the jets and made it 4-3 on a breakaway. It marked his 31st goal of the season and his sixth point over his last six games.

Then, 52 seconds later, Alex Ovechkin got a shooting lane, and instead of trying for goal No. 889, made a fake shot pass to Dylan Strome for the tip in front for the 5-3 lead. It marked Strome's 23rd goal and 68th point, a new single-season career high, and his 200th point with Washington.

Ovechkin would be unselfish again on a delayed penalty later in the frame, setting up Andrew Mangiapane in front for his second goal in as many games to make it 6-3.

The Capitals captain has nine points in his six games, and he continues to impress with his poise and vision as he stays focused on making the right plays instead of worrying about his goal total amid his "GR8 Chase."

After seeing D.C. double up, the Panthers wouldn't go quietly, keeping the heat on. All the while, Thompson and the defense recovered from a bit of a rough start, shutting down Florida through the final 40 minutes en route to the win.

Thompson, who gave up three goals on nine shots through the first 20 minutes, bounced back and stopped all 27 shots against through the second and third, while showcasing his quick glove hand and agility en route to yet another win.

At the same time, the defense stepped up, and the penalty kill went 3-for-3.

Washington also avoided an injury scare with defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who returned to play after appearing to take a skate cut to the hand/wrist area. He did not play the final eight minutes of the first period, but returned at the start of the second and played in the rest of the game.

- Aliaksei Protas picked up an assist to extend his point streak to six games.

- Anthony Beauvillier has three points in his last two games.

- Matt Roy recorded his 21st assist of the season, establishing a new single-season career-high in helpers.

- Martin Fehervary had two assists and now has four helpers in his last four games.