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Ovechkin, Capitals look to stay hot against Kings

Nov 20, 2008 - 11:20 AM Washington (11-4-3) at Los Angeles (7-8-2) 10:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- A long road trip has not hindered the Washington Capitals' success.

The Capitals go for their seventh win in eight games on Thursday when they visit the Los Angeles Kings.

Alex Ovechkin extended his goal-scoring streak to five games and added three assists, leading Washington to a 6-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.

David Steckel and defenseman Mike Green each recorded a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who improved to 1-0-1 on the first of their two five-game road trips this season and 6-0-2 over their last eight contests.

Ovechkin has yet to find the back of the net in two previous games against the Kings, but did have three assists over that span. The reigning Hart Trophy winner will attempt to break through against Los Angeles, which may turn to backup goaltender Jason LaBarbera on Wednesday after two straight regulation losses by Erik Ersberg.

LaBarbera, who started nine straight games to open the season, has not played since enduring a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on November 1.

After suffering a 1-0 overtime setback to the Anaheim Ducks in his first start of the campaign on November 4, Ersberg led the Kings to four straight wins, solidifying his role as the No. 1 netminder. However, he has surrendered four goals in the last two games and may be in need of a rest.