Washington (19-17-7) at Tampa Bay (21-21-2) 7:30 pm EST
TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Before he plays in his first All-Star
Game, Alex Ovechkin has some work to do.
Ovechkin looks to lead the Washington Capitals to a season
high-tying fourth consecutive victory Thursday when they open a
four-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Last season's Calder Trophy winner, the 21-year-old Ovechkin has
28 goals to lead Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis by one for the
league lead. He also has 59 points to trail Pittsburgh's Sidney
Crosby by six in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.
The Russian standout became the first Washington player to be
named as a starter in the All-Star Game since Hall of Famer Rod
Langway in 1985-1986. He also tops the league in goals since
the start of last season (80).
Ovechkin had two goals and an assist and Alexander Semin added
his 22nd goal for the Capitals in Tuesday's 6-2 victory over the
Philadelphia Flyers.
After splitting a four-game road trip last week, Tampa Bay
posted a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday to
complete a sweep of their home-and-home series.
St. Louis had a goal and two assists and Vincent Lecavalier
added a tally and set up another for the Lightning, who defeated
the Penguins for the 11th straight time.
Tampa Bay has won two of the three previous matchups against
Washington, including a 5-4 triumph December 19.