WASHINGTON - -Ovechkin adds first goal as captain

Alex Ovechkin's first goal as captain capped another big-scoring night for the Washington Capitals. Nicklas Backstrom scored twice in the third period, and Ovechkin added a goal in the final two minutes as the Capitals beat the Ottawa Senators, 5-2, on Thursday night.

Ovechkin also got an assist on Backstrom's early third-period goal that restored Washington's two-goal lead. Backstrom added a nifty wraparound later in the game for his 17th goal of the season. Ovechkin has 27 goals.

Boyd Gordon and Mike Knuble had goals for the Capitals in the first period. Chris Phillips scored for the Senators in the second, and Jonathan Cheechoo added one late in the third for Ottawa.

Jos? Theodore made 26 saves to get his first win since Dec. 15 as the Capitals improved to 14-3-3 at home, while the Senators remain ineffective on the road. Ottawa has lost 12 of 18 away games this season, including 11 of 14.