In a thrilling matchup, the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a convincing 5-2 victory, marking the return of star player Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals showcased their offensive prowess with goals from Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson, while John Tavares and Bobby McMann scored for the Leafs. Ovechkin, returning from a fractured fibula sustained in November, scored an empty-net goal, bringing his career total to 869, just 25 shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

The game started with Tavares putting the Leafs ahead early, but Mangiapane quickly equalized for the Capitals. Chychrun then gave Washington the lead heading into the second period. Dowd extended the lead shortly after McMann's goal, and Wilson's power-play goal in the third period sealed the win. Capitals goalie Logan Thompson was instrumental, stopping 35 shots and making several critical saves to deny the Leafs, particularly against William Nylander and Mitch Marner.

Toronto's struggles continued as they lost three of their last four games without star forward Auston Matthews, highlighting defensive lapses that have allowed them to concede at least five goals in each of those matches. Meanwhile, Ovechkin's return has reinvigorated the Capitals, who maintained a solid record during his absence, demonstrating their depth and resilience. The Leafs will host the New York Islanders next, while the Capitals prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings.