Logan Thompson stopped 21 shots for his third shutout this season as the Washington Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-0 win over Toronto.
Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary each recorded a goal and assist for Washington. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson also scored.
The victory moves the Capitals within three points of the Eastern Conference’s final wild-card spot. Washington has three games remaining on their schedule.
Toronto’s starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz left the game early in the first period with a lower-body injury after facing just two shots.
Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz and made 14 saves over 57 minutes of work for the Maple Leafs.
Toronto is set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Ovechkin’s Future Uncertain
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin announced he won’t decide on his playing future until after the season ends. The 40-year-old forward leads Washington with 31 goals and 61 points this season.
Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 last April. He’s scored at least 30 goals in 20 of his 21 NHL seasons.
Against Toronto specifically, Ovechkin has 45 goals and 35 assists for 80 points across 64 regular-season games.
Brothers Make History
Ilya Protas made his NHL debut playing alongside his older brother Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson.
The line features imposing size across all three positions. Wilson stands 6-foot-4 while both Protas brothers are 6-foot-6. The trio combines for 700 pounds.
Up Next
Washington visits Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Toronto travels to face the New York Islanders on Thursday.
