Varlamov Shuts Out Bolts 3-0 As Ovechkin Returns

Washington Capitals' 21-year-old netminder Semyon Varlamov got his 2nd shutout of the season as the Caps welcomed back Alexander Ovechkin from a 2-game suspension. Ovechkin scored twice in a three goal 2nd period by Washington as they easily handled the Tampa Bay Lightning winning their 6th straight game. The win puts the Capitals into the number one spot in the National Hockey League with 44 points, one more than 2nd place San Jose.

Varlamov faced 26 shots by the Lightning getting his 3rd career shutout on the same night that Martin Brodeur tied the league record of 103. Varlamov has only lost one game in his NHL career so far, going 12-1-2 this season and having a career mark of 16-1-3, although he did lose 6 of 13 games in last year's playoffs.

There was no scoring in the 1st period, but Alexander Ovechkin scored 2 times on Tampa goalie Mike Smith in the 2nd period, the left winger getting his 19th and 20th of the season, sandwiched around Eric Fehr's 8th. Ovechkin's second of the night was the only power play goal of the game and was assisted by Alexander Semin, who also got an assist on Ovechkin's first goal of the night, giving the left winger 2 goals and 6 assists in the three games he's had since returning from injury.

The Caps pressed in the 3rd period, with the Lightning only directing 5 shots at Varlamov.

Both teams play in on Wednesday, with the Capitals flying to Buffalo and Tampa Bay hosting the Edmonton Oilers.