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    Sammi Silber
    Sammi Silber
    Dec 29, 2024, 02:46

    The Capitals captain scored en route to a 5-2 victory.

    The Capitals captain scored en route to a 5-2 victory.

    As the Washington Capitals got Alex Ovechkin back, they also got their game back.

    With the captain in tow, the Capitals got back to their high-scoring ways en route to a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

    Here are all the takeaways:

    Jakob Chychrun Helps Power Rejuvenated Offense

    The Capitals were looking to have some firepower with Alex Ovechkin back in the mix, and they got exactly that from not just him, but from across the entire lineup.

    Washington, who'd seen a dip in their 5-on-5 scoring, got goals from all four lines, as Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin.

    Chychrun was the catalyst on offense, moving his feet well and picking up a goal and assist whil leading the team in shots. The same goes for Mangiapane, who shned in his hometown.

    The power play also went 1-for-1, with Tom Wilson tipping home a Chychrun shot.

    To seal the win, Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal for his 16th goal of the season.

    Overall, Washington played a strong, high-scoring game and was dangerous from the get-go.

    Alex Ovechkin Returns, Gets Back To Scoring Ways

    The biggest storyline was Alex Ovechkin's return. The 39-year-old had the spotlight on him, and he had a strong showing in his first game back from a fractured left fibula.

    Ovechkin had three shots on goal and skated 14:20 minutes as Spencer Carbery eased him back into the mix.

    The Russian now sits 26 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

    Logan Thompson, Defense Shine For Capitals

    On the other side of the puck, the Capitals played a well-rounded game, working to shut down the likes of Mitch Marner and company.

    After surrendering an early goal and several chances early on, Rasmus Sandin and company helped shut things down.

    But mostly, it was Logan Thompson who held down the fort. The 27-year-old stopped 35 of 37 shots (.946 save percentage) en route to the victory.

    Top Shelf Takes

    - Pierre-Luc Dubois extended his points streak to five games

    - Aliaksei Protas remains on pace for 70-plus points after recording an assist.