Capitals Topple Thrashers

The Washington Capitals got in the winner's column on Day 5 in a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers. Washington is 1-1 and hosts New Jersey on Day 6.

Jonathan Cheechoo gave the Capitals a good start when he notched his second goal of the season from Patrick Marleau and Zigmund Palffy at 17:29 of the opening period. Washington had two changes on the power play but failed to convert.

After a scoreless second period, Atlanta tied the game early in the final stanza. Bayda got the goal from Bell and Kidney at 1:39. The Capitals turned it on after Bayda's marker, and Cory Sarich scored the game-winner from Artem Chubarov and Mikael Renberg at 8:14. Just 1:28 later a vicious cross-check by Bayda knocked Artem Chubarov out of the game. The Thrasher will likely be suspended two games for the incident, while Chubarov is out for 1-2 weeks with a fractured wrist.

Manny Legace made 16 saves to earn the win and improve to 1-1. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 27 shots in the loss.