Oshie goal, Holtby shutout highlight Capitals' 1-0 win
OTTAWA -- T.J. Oshie scored the only goal of the game early in the first period and was in the dressing room for the third as the Washington Capitals defeated the Ottawa Senators 1-0 on Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
Oshie left the game favoring his left shoulder in the second period after taking a hard hit from Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf but returned before the period was over. He did not, however, come out for the third period.
Capitals goalie Braden Holtby made 30 saves for his fifth shutout of the season and 28th of his career. Washington won its fifth game in a row and improved its record to 25-9-5.
The loss was the fourth in a row for the Senators (20-14-4).
Mike Condon made 19 saves in his 15th consecutive appearance between the Ottawa pipes.
The Senators led 10-5 in shots after the first period and 21-13 after two but still trailed 1-0 heading into the final 20 minutes.
Oshie one-timed a backhand pass from Nicklas Backstrom at 1:38 of the first period. His 13th goal of the season beat Condon high on the glove side.
The setup made Backstrom the 10th Swede to post 500 NHL assists.
NOTES: Senators RW Bobby Ryan was a late scratch. He participated in the morning skate. ... Senators G Craig Anderson worked out with the team on Friday, but he is not expected back in the lineup until late January or early February. Anderson, whose wife Nicholle is battling cancer, hasn't played since Dec. 5. ... The Capitals scratched D Taylor Chorney, who scored the winning goal when the teams met New Year's Day. ... Capitals C Liam O'Brien was also scratched. ... The Senators host the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. ... The Capitals play the Canadiens on Monday in Montreal.