Capitals Trounce Thrashers

The Washington Capitals found a cure for their ills in Atlanta on Day 79 and skated off with a 5-1 victory over the Thrashers. Peter Tenkrat scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third to lead the way for the Caps. With the win, Washington improved to 14-19-4 for the season.

After a scoreless first period that saw Atlanta's Horton ejected, Washington scored three goals in the second to take control of the game. Rob Blake opened the scoring from Anson Carter and Todd Warriner after just 23 seconds. Andy Sutton then opened his account from Tenkrat and Dan Boyle at 14:01. With just 54 seconds left in the period, Tenkrat got this first of the game from Mark Eaton and Bryan Berard to make it 3-0.

The Capitals continued to pour it on early in the second period, and Tenkrat's fifth of the season from Cory Sarich and Mikael Renberg extended the lead to four goals. Patrick Marleau finished off Washington's scoring with an unassisted goal at 6:20. MacKenzie scored a shorthanded goal from Sellars and Hordichuk to give the Atlanta fans some consolation.

Peter Skudra stopped 20 shots to earn the win for the Caps and improve to 2-3-2. Michael Garnett made 20 saves in the loss for Atlanta and fell to 4-28-4. Stephane Fiset made five saves in relief.

The Capitals return to action on Day 80 against the New York Islanders.