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Capitals' early woes continue
Markov, Canadiens take 4-1 decision ASSOCIATED PRESS
Andrei Markov's resurgence continued with a goal and an assist, and the Montreal Canadiens cruised to a 4-1 win Thursday night over the Washington Capitals, who are 0-3 for the first time in nearly two decades.
Finally healthy after twice tearing the ACL in his right knee, Markov was part of a second-period spree in which the Canadiens scored in all sorts of ways against a Capitals team that is out of sorts. In order, Montreal's goals came 5-on-3, 5-on-4 and 5-on-5 in a little over 6 minutes to take a 3-0 lead.
Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta and Josh Gorges scored for the Canadiens, and Carey Price made 30 saves. Montreal, the worst team in the Eastern Conference a year ago, has won two straight under new coach Michel Therrien since opening the season with a loss to Toronto.
The Capitals also have a new coach teaching a new system, and he is having a much harder time getting his players in gear after a compressed training camp in the lockout-shortened season. Adam Oates' team has been outscored 14-6 through three games, with seven of the opponents' goals coming on power plays.
Joey Crabb's goal with 2:23 to play was the lone goal for the Capitals, and two-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin remains without a goal on the season.
Blackhawks 3, Stars 2: Marian Hossa scored his NHL-leading fifth goal on a power play 1:41 into overtime to give Chicago a comeback victory.
With Dallas captain Brenden Morrow in the penalty box for interference, Hossa fired a one-timer from the slot past goalie Kari Lehtonen after receiving a nifty, behind-the-back pass from Patrick Kane.
Islanders 7, Maple Leafs 4: Matt Moulson and Michael Grabner scored two goals each, as the Islanders rallied to beat Toronto.
Blues 3, Predators 0: Patrik Berglund scored on a penalty shot and goalie Jaroslav Halak bounced back from a poor game to lead St. Louis.
Hurricanes 6, Sabres 3: Eric Staal scored three goals, Jeff Skinner added two and Carolina earned its first victory of the season while handing Buffalo its first loss.
Senators 3, Panthers 1: Erik Karlsson scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Ottawa won its third straight game to start the season.
Lupul out 6 weeks: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul will miss at least six weeks because of a broken forearm.
Lupul was injured Wednesday night in the second period of Toronto's 5-2 win at Pittsburgh. Lupul was in front of the net during a power play when he was hit in the arm by a slap shot taken by teammate Dion Phaneuf.
Benn, Stars in accord: Jamie Benn and the Dallas Stars have agreed to a $26.25 million, five-year contract.
The team announced the move Thursday night. The All-Star center gets $5.25 million each season, with the first year of the deal pro-rated because of the NHL lockout.
The 23-year-old Benn was a restricted free agent who set career highs with 26 goals, 37 assists and 63 points for Dallas last season.
Rangers, Pens deal: The Rangers acquired forward Benn Ferriero from the Pittsburgh Penguins for forward Chad Kolarik on Thursday.
Both players have been in the American Hockey League this season. Ferriero has four goals and 14 assists in 34 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Kolarik has 16 goals and 19 assists in 41 games with Connecticut.
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