Tom Wilson recorded his 300th career point by scoring the go-ahead goal late in the third period, lifting the host Washington Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the winless San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
Washington’s Dylan Strome scored his sixth goal in his last five games and Evgeny Kuznetsov tallied into an open net.
Captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman John Carlson each had two assists and Darcy Kuemper made 30 saves. The Capitals have won three games in a row overall and improved to 8-2-1 in their past 11 games against the Sharks.
San Jose’s Luke Kunin scored a goal at 11:40 of the first period, ending the team’s scoreless drought at 163 minutes, 10 seconds.
Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside 39 shots for the Sharks (0-8-1), who matched the worst start in franchise history. The 1993-94 club had eight losses and one tie to begin the campaign before posting a 3-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in the 10th game of its season.
Wilson scored for the second time in as many games to snap a 1-1 tie with 4:45 remaining in the third period. His backhand shot deflected off San Jose defenseman Kyle Burroughs and into the net.
Kuznetsov capped the scoring with 58 seconds to play.
San Jose’s Mikael Granlund won 10 of 14 faceoffs and registered two shots on goal in his first game since being activated from injured reserve.
San Jose ended its pronounced drought by opening the scoring eight-plus minutes into the game.
Defenseman Ty Emberson’s shot from the point caromed off the end boards and right to Kunin, who gained inside position on Kuznetsov and tucked the puck inside the right post for his first goal of the season. Emberson notched his first NHL point after joining fellow defenseman Mario Ferraro in picking up an assist.
Washington forged a 1-1 tie at 2:18 of the third period.
Strome’s wrist shot from the point sailed between Blackwood’s pads for his sixth goal of the season. Hardy Haman Aktell recorded his first NHL point after joining fellow defenseman Nick Jensen with an assist.
–Field Level Media
