Ovechkin scores go-ahead goal, Brouwer has 2 for Capitals in 5-4 win over Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. - Alex Ovechkin scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and had two assists and Troy Brouwer had two power-play goals Thursday night, lifting the Washington Capitals to a 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Nicklas Backstrom and Brooks Laich also tallied for the Capitals and Braden Holtby made 30 saves.

Brad Boyes scored twice for Florida, and Drew Shore and Tomas Fleischmann also had goals. Tim Thomas stopped 27 shots.

Ovechkin broke a 4-all tie in the third period when he took a pass from Laich on the right side and sent a one-timer past Thomas at 15:43 for his 41st goal.

The Capitals beat the Panthers for the ninth time in 10 meetings. Florida lost for the sixth time in seven games.