WASHINGTON D.C. (October 15) — The Washington Capitals made a statement Thursday night, ending a 4-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.

Washington Capitals goalie Jose Theodore (#6o) allows only one goal by Sharks’ foward Benn Ferriero (#78).  Theodore was replaced with 3rd year goalie Semyon Varlamov after experiencing back spasms.  Theodore is expected to return with no persistant injuries. (Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)

Goals from Matt Bradley and Alexander Semin (his sixth of the season, tied for second in the NHL) combined with two from NHL goal leader Alexander Ovechkin completed the offensive assault. The win ended the Sharks’ 11-game win streak against the Capitals, which included 6 consecutive road wins dating back to February 1999.

San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov (#20) deflects a wrist shot to hold a 1-1 tie with the Washington Capitals at the end of the first period. (Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)

Following a strong playoff performance last season, the young Capitals team exhibited strong discipline by staying out of the penalty box, while leaving San Jose short-handed for over 8 minutes in the first period, which included two 5-on-3 power plays. 

Alexander Ovechkin (#8) celebrates his second goal in 28 seconds to extend the Washington Capitals second period lead to 3-1 over the San Jose Sharks.  (Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)

Alexander Ovechkin (#8) adds two to his NHL-leading goal total with two scores against San Jose in the second period.  The Capitals go on to win the game 4-1. (Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)

Breaking a 1-1 tie in the second period, Ovechkin found the net twice in 28 seconds, exploiting the exhausted Sharks’ defensemen and scoring his first and second goals against San Jose in his career. Both goals were assisted by Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison.

San Jose forward Steven Zalewski (#48) gives chase to Capitals defenseman Jeff Schultz (#55) in the third period at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. (Pete Silver/OffWingPhoto.com)

Click below for a slideshow of images from Thursday night’s game and more from OffWing Photo.