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Ovechkin looking to snap career-long slump

Mar 1, 2008 - 2:15 PM Toronto (28-28-10) at Washington (30-27-8) 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - Alex Ovechkin still leads the NHL in goals, but the All-Star has not had much success in that category lately.

The Washington Capitals go for their third consecutive victory Saturday when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ovechkin has not scored a goal in seven games, though he did tally an assist as the Capitals blanked the New Jersey Devils, 4-0, in Cristobal Huet's debut with the club Friday.

Huet, who was acquired from Montreal in a trade deadline deal Tuesday, made 18 saves en route to his 18th career shutout. He also helped Washington reach the 30-win plateau for the first time since 2002-03.

With 68 points, the Capitals are three points back of Southeast Division-leading Carolina (33-29-5). The division winner is assured at least the No. 3 seed in the conference playoffs.

Washington also is three points back of Philadelphia (32-25-7) and Buffalo (31-25-9) - a pair of teams tied for eighth in the conference standings.

The Maple Leafs have 66 points and are trying to make a late charge for the playoffs. Toronto suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, but has posted a 5-1-1 record over their last seven games.

Captain Mats Sundin, who declined to waive his no-trade clause at the deadline, leads the club with 28 goals and 38 assists this season.