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Ovechkin, Nylander propel Capitals past Hurricanes

Sep 26, 2008 - 2:05 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Unlike last season, it appears the Washington Capitals are poised to start the regular season on a tear thanks to their potent offensive attack.

Alex Ovechkin and Michael Nylander each netted two goals to lead the Capitals to a 5-2 preseason victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

Behind Ovechkin's 65-goal campaign in 2007-08, the Capitals became the first team in league history to be mired in last place in December and then make the playoffs, capturing the Southeast Division on the season's last day after a final 11-1 push.

Carolina grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first period on power-play goals by Harrison Reed and Ryan Bayda, but Washington erupted for five unanswered tallies.

Nylander put the Capitals on the board 6:06 into the second session, converting a pass from Ovechkin past goaltender Michael Leighton during a man advantage.

Leighton, who made 15 saves, was replaced by Daniel Manzato midway through the period. Ovechkin greeted the 24-year-old Swiss netminder rudely, knotting the game by scoring on a penalty shot with 5:08 left in the second.

Nylander struck again at 2:20 of the third, giving the Capitals the lead for good at 3-2. Chris Bourque, who also had an assist, followed with a goal just over four minutes later and Ovechkin capped the outburst with a power-play tally with 7:09 left.

Captain Chris Clark added a pair of assists for the Capitals.

Washington's Michal Neuvirth made 24 saves before being replaced by Daren Machesney, who turned away all three shots he faced in the third.