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Capitals trying to put an end to recent struggles

Oct 27, 2007 - 2:02 PM Washington (4-5-0) at St Louis (5-3-0) 8:30 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Alex Ovechkin looks for his third straight multi-point performance and the Washington Capitals' defense will try to get back on track when they visit the St. Louis Blues for the first time in almost two years on Saturday night.

After relinquishing two goals in its first three games, Washington has been bested 23 times in the six games since - losing five of those contests.

The offense will need to pick up even more slack, which means the Capitals will rely on Ovechkin to get it started yet again. Ovechkin is coming off a two-point night (goal and assist) in Friday's 3-2 setback to the Vancouver Canucks, following a 5-3 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning when he notched a goal and two assists.

The 22-year-old Ovechkin leads the team with six goals and 11 points this season.

The Blues will turn to their veteran offseason pick-ups. Paul Kariya has managed just two goals, but he has set up nine more, while Keith Tkachuk has scored four goals and nine points this season.

Neither was effective in St. Louis' last game, a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. It marked the first time the Blues have been shutout in 67 contests.

Manny Legace, who has not started against the Capitals since 2001, will called on to stop Ovechkin and the rest of the Washington offense. Legace is 4-2-0 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .925 save percentage this season.