Ward scores in third period as Capitals top Maple Leafs 3-2

WASHINGTON - Joel Ward scored the go-ahead goal with just over 8 minutes left in the third period, and Alex Ovechkin added a goal and an assist as the Washington Capitals edged the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Friday night.

Nicklas Backstrom also scored, and goalie Michal Neuvirth made 32 saves in his first game in seven weeks as the Capitals won on back-to-back nights for the fourth time this year.

It was the fourth straight loss for Toronto after a 3-2 victory over Detroit on Jan. 1 in the Winter Classic. James Van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel each had a goal and an assist. Kessel's goal was his team-high 21st for the Maple Leafs, who have been outscored 21-7 in the defeats.