Ovechkin ties Fedorov for goals by Russian player

The goal would have given Ovechkin, who scored his eighth of the season in the second period, 484 career goals and put him ahead of Sergei Fedorov (483 career goals) for first place among Russian-born National Hockey League players.

“Still have one to pass the tie”, Ovechkin said.

Even on nights when he’s not at his best, Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin can be the difference maker.

On Saturday evening, the Washington Capitals (9-3-0) will be welcoming the Toronto Maple Leafs (2-8-3) at the Verizon Center at 7:00 pm ET in what promises to be a high-profile clash, as Toronto continues to struggle at the bottom of the Atlantic division overall standings carrying eight losses.

Nicklas Backstrom tied it with less than a second left in regulation for the Capitals, who have won two straight. T.J. Oshie, Justin Williams and Evgeny Kuznetsov all registered assists in the victory.

Ovechkin scored a third-period goal that would have tied the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs but it was disallowed after a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference.

The Capitals had a good chance moments before but defenseman Morgan Rielly pushed the puck up to Winnik, who raced up the right wing and scored. His goal with 2:39 left in the third period did not count.

Daniel Winnik and James van Riemsdyk scored in regulation for Toronto, and Reimer finished with 30 saves (see full recap).

“You would like the win”, Babcock said.

It was a great night for Washington as the players bounced back to pull this significant victory after their recent 5-2 loss to New York Rangers. Obviously, it [stinks], but I think it’s OK. On the other hand, the Capitals do need to step up their power play and require forward Niklas Backstrom to start scoring again. “It’s just a matter of time”.

Just minutes later, Winnik left the game with a lower-body injury after falling along the boards in the offensive zone.