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Ovechkin, struggling Capitals host Maple Leafs

Nov 24, 2006 - 2:49 PM Toronto (12-7-4) at Washington (8-7-6) 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Alexander Ovechkin has had trouble finding the back of the net over the last week. He figures to get back on track against a team he dominated last season.

Ovechkin hopes to break out of his recent slump Friday when the reeling Washington Capitals host the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The reigning Calder Trophy winner, Ovechkin had his way with the Maple Leafs last season, scoring five goals and six points in just four games.

But Ovechkin has struggled during Washington's current four-game losing streak, collecting only one goal and one assist over that stretch.

The Capitals look to bounce back from Wednesday's disappointing 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers.

Jakub Klepis registered a goal and an assist for Washington, which jumped out to a 2-0 lead only to yield four unanswered tallies.

Toronto also has struggled of late, losing three of its last four games. The Maple Leafs squandered an early two-goal lead Wednesday en route to a 7-4 loss to the high-flying Buffalo Sabres.

Darcy Tucker tallied twice to push his team-leading total to 15 for the Maple Leafs, who went 1-3-0 against the Capitals last season.