Ovechkin scores twice and leads the Capitals to a win against the Rangers

Aliaksei Protas had a goal and two assists, Dylan Strome and Rasmus Sandin each had two assists for the Capitals (6-2-0). Logan Thompson made 16 saves.

“Big test for our team,” said Protas. “It's fun to play a game where you have to step up and do your best and I think that's exactly what our team did today.” Had an outstanding game and I think we deserved this win. Another statement game for us.”

Igor Shesterkin made 41 saves, including 16 in the first period, for the Rangers (6-2-1), who had won their first four away games, tying a team record set in 1931-32.

“Their first season had a lot more momentum than ours,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said. “Everywhere from faceoff battles to defensive zone coverage to offensive zone plays, we were chasing the play. To be honest, things didn't get much better in the second and third parts. There were flare-ups, but not enough.”

Ovechkin gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 3:23 with a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle after a pass from Strome.

Will Cuylle made it 1-1 at 4:21 when he scored on a backhand feed from Kaapo Kakko on the rush.

Ovechkin gave Washington a 2-1 lead at 5:10. After a failed clearance by New York, he got behind the defense and hit a backhand pass over the low slot from linemate Protas.

“Yeah, the first few games we're just playing out there trying to find the right thing and right now it's kind of clicking,” Ovechkin said of his line. “You can see (Strome) playing incredible, winning the faceoff, feeling the puck and when you have two guys feeling the puck, it's very important that you just try to get open and find the shot. “