Needing a big effort to end a three-game losing streak, the Capitals were able to earn a win in Alex Ovechkin's first game as team captain, beating Montreal 4-2 at Verizon Center.
Changing to center proved to be a boon for Tomas Fleischmann, as he scored a goal and picked up two assists as Washington was able to grab a 3-1 lead late in the second period and hang on for the win.
Alexander Semin also had a terrific game, notching the final two goals in the game, including a bullet to quell a late Montreal surge with just 2:02 left in regulation.
Fleischmann clicked with his new linemates in Semin and Laich, and felt good after the victory.
"I think we’ve been working pretty hard, Sasha [Alexander Semin] and Brooks [Laich] worked really hard on the wing and it went in today, so I think that’s the main reason we won," he said afterwards.
Bruce Boudreau, needless to say, was also pleased with the effort, telling reporters "Whether it was on the wing or in the middle, I thought he competed so hard tonight. His positioning was really good, I thought, for a guy that hadn’t played center."
After a scoreless first period, Fleischmann opened the scoring 5:14 into the second period by depositing a shot past Carey Price for a 1-0 lead. However, the Habs tied it up on a shot that inadvertently deflected off the new center and past Michal Neuvirth with 5:57 left.
The deadlock didn't last long, as Fehr broke the tie 1:42 later, followed by a quick strike by Semin just :36 later. The third goal erupted in some fireworks as Semin took exception to some rough treatment following his nifty goal, and led to a fracas near the side boards.
Montreal made things interesting when they notched a power-play goal with 8:50 left in regulation with Mike Knuble in the box and then got another opportunity as the winger headed back to the box shortly after the score was cut to 3-2.
But Semin's strike allowed the losing skid to come to an end, and gives the Caps their first win of 2010, leaving their coach happy after a rough stretch.
"Always nice to win; makes you feel so much better. It’s easier to talk to [the media]. You go home and you sleep better, that’s for sure."
Washington's brief homestand continues Thursday night when Ottawa pays a visit to Verizon Center.
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