CAPITALS DEFEAT BRUINS IN SEASON OPENER

Alexander Ovechkin and Brooks Laich had two goals apiece and Jose Theodore stopped 19 of 20 shots as the Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 Thursday night. Boston, who plays their first five games at home this season, didn't give the crowd much to cheer about as they fell behind in the first period and was never able to recover. Niklas Backstrom had two assists, both on Ovechkin's goals.

The Bruins were still within striking distance to begin the third period. Down only 2-0, Boston soon found themselves in a lopsided affair as Laich scored his second goal only 16 seconds into the period. Ovechkin followed with his second tally 1:41 later to make it 4-0.

Peter Bergeron put in the only goal for Boston 7:56 into the final stanza. It was the only bright spot for the Bruins, who look to rebound against Carolina at home Saturday night. The Capitals will also return to the ice Saturday with a game versus the Maple Leafs.

CANADIENS 4 MAPLE LEAFS 3

Josh Gorges scored with only ten seconds left in overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a season-opening 4-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Despite being outshot 46-27, the Canadiens were able to battle back from a 3-2 deficit in the third period. Glen Metropolit tied the game 15:50 into the final frame with assists from Gorges and Paul Mara.

It looked as if the game was going to go to a shootout, but Gorges was able to beat Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala, which sent everybody home. A good portion of the crowd cheered the goal, despite Montreal being on the road. The all-Canada battle didn't disappoint those who attended on opening night.

Shawn Marosek