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Ovechkin faces off vs. Brodeur as Capitals host Devils

Feb 24, 2008 - 3:42 PM New Jersey (36-21-5) at Washington (28-27-7) 3:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- One of hockey's best scorers faces a future Hall of Fame goaltender Sunday when Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals host Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils.

Ovechkin, who leads the league with 48 goals, is doing his best to keep the Capitals afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race. On Saturday, the 22-year-old Russian had three assists. But it was not enough as Washington lost, 6-3, to Carolina.

The setback pushed the Capitals six points behind the Hurricanes (32-28-5) for first place in the Southeast Division and five points behind Buffalo (30-24-8) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

Ovechkin, who had gone a season-high three straight games without a point, faces a huge challenge against Brodeur.

The reigning Vezina Trophy winner, Brodeur leads the league with 34 wins and is 31-11-0 with four ties and a 2.09 goals-against average in 47 career games against Washington.

Brodeur made 19 saves and Zach Parise snapped a tie with his team-leading 25th goal Saturday as the Devils posted a fourth straight win, 4-2, over the New York Islanders.