Predators 4, Capitals 3
James Neal scored twice, including the game winner with 1:40 remaining, as Nashville stormed back to beat Washington in Barry Trotz's return to Music City.
Neal capped a late rally, forcing defenseman Matt Niskanen's turnover in Capitals' territory and firing a shot between the pads of Braden Holtby. Blue-liners Seth Jones and Mattias Ekblom also scored while Carter Hutton stopped 31 shots in his first start for the injured Pekka Rinne (knee).
Captain Alex Ovechkin scored twice to pace the Capitals, who lost in regulation for just the second time in their past 20 games (14-2-4). Marcus Johansson had a third-period goal, Nicklas Backstrom and defenseman Mike Green each added two assists and Holtby made 26 saves in the loss.
Jones had the lone goal of the opening period, floating a wrist shot from the left point that deflected in off Holtby's arm. Neal doubled the advantage 1:50 into the middle frame before Ovechkin responded, blasting a one-timer past Hutton from the bottom of the right circle less than two minutes later and evening things on a power-play at 6:18 with another one-timer.
Johansson gave the Capitals their first lead 2:38 into the third, converting a rebound from in close with Nashville captain Shea Weber serving a slashing penalty. Ekholm answered with 4:29 left in regulation, blasting a shot from the point past Holtby for his first career power-play goal.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Trotz held his hand over his heart after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at Bridgestone Arena. Trotz served as the Predators' coach for the first 15 seasons in franchise history. ... Ovechkin recorded his first multi-goal game since Dec. 9 against Tampa Bay. ... The Predators became the second team in the league to reach the 30-win plateau, beating the Capitals just over an hour after the New York Islanders earned win No. 30 with a 6-3 triumph over Pittsburgh. ... Washington dominated the faceoff circle, winning 43-of-68 draws.