The New York Rangers held Alex Ovechkin without a point for the first time this season as they beat the Washington Capitals 4-3 on Thursday. Last season's top goalscorer and MVP had nine shots, but he was unable to beat Henrik Lundqvist in the Rangers' goal. Two third-period goals from winger Marian Gaborik erased a 3-2 Capitals lead and gave the Rangers their third straight win.
"It's why players like him are so special," said New York's Chris Drury said about Gaborik. "They can change the game on one play - and on one shot." Stanley Cup holders the Pittsburgh Penguins inflicted a first defeat of the season on the Philadelphia Flyers with a 5-4 victory. Danny Briere and Jeff Carter scored two goals each for the Flyers, but it was not enough as Tyler Kennedy's third period goal proved to be the winner.
The game ended in controversy with Pittsburgh's Kris Letang accusing the Flyers' Scott Hartnell of biting him as they fell to the ice in the final seconds. "A lot of stuff happens on the bottom of the pile," Hartnell said. "He had his hands in my face, doing the face wash, and we were rolling around. I can't say what happened." Nigel Dawes and Olli Jokinen scored in the shootout to give Calgary a 4-3 win over Edmonton as the Flames won their second straight "Battle of Alberta" this season. Dany Heatley scored a hat-trick on his home debut as the San Jose Sharks beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3.
"For this crowd to cheer his name, he's found a nice home here," said centre Joe Thornton. akunawicz@thenational.ae
