Read the reports from Wednesday’s NHL games.
Consult the meeting summaries
Auston Matthews powers the Leafs with five points
Auston Matthews tied his career high with five points, scoring two goals, and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Washington Capitals 7-3 on Wednesday.
In defeat, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 844e and 845e career goals. He is now only 50 behind Wayne Gretzky, at the top in National Hockey League history.
The Capitals captain, however, was a spectator of another double from Matthews, seeking a 70-goal season. The Maple Leafs player thought he had completed a hat trick, but his third goal was canceled after a challenge by Sheldon Keefe due to an offside.
Matthews is eight goals shy of 65 this season, which represents a career high for “Ovi”.
Connor McMichael also scored for the Capitals, as did William Nylander, Jake McCabe, Bobby McMann, Tyler Bertuzzi and John Tavares for the visitors.
Joseph Woll made 18 saves in front of the Maple Leafs cage, while former Montreal Canadiens goalie Charlie Lindgren stopped 22 pucks for the team from the American capital.
The Capitals suffered their first defeat in four games. By winning, they would have overtaken the Detroit Red Wings for last place among teams drafted in the Eastern Conference.
Stephen Whyno, Associated Press
The Stars reach the top of the Central section
PHOTO JEROME MIRON, USA TODAY SPORTS
Jamie Benn (14) contributed to his team’s victory with a goal.
Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Logan Stankoven scored in the second period to help the Dallas Stars defeat the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 on Wednesday.
The Stars thus extended their streak to 19 games with at least one point at home against the Coyotes. They are 18-0-1 during this one. Their last defeat in regulation time against the Coyotes in front of their fans dates back to February 7, 2012.
Jason Robertson scored a goal and added an assist in the win. Craig Smith also made the red light, Nils Lundkvist collected two assists and Jake Oettinger made 23 saves.
The Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche all have 93 points and share first place in the Central Division. The Jets have two games in hand over the Texas club, and the Avalanche, one.
Clayton Keller and John Leonard responded for the Coyotes, who are 18 points out of last place in the Western Conference playoff picture with 13 games remaining.
Connor Ingram stopped 28 pucks.
Associated Press