Washington went 1-for-2 on the power play for the second straight game after going 3-for-23 in its previous nine games.
“We’re scoring goals, that’s the most important thing, and we just have to stick with it,” said Ovechkin, who had the secondary assist on the play and has seven points (two goals, five assists) during a five-game point streak.
Kempe tied it 1-1 at 5:28 of the second period. Anze Kopitar skated in on a 2-on-1 rush, stopped in the right circle, and passed to a charging Kempe for a one-timer in front.
“I thought that’s as well as Kempe has skated, maybe, since I can remember this season,” Hiller said. “He really looked dangerous, and I think he if can keep doing that he’s going to get more of those types of looks.”
After Beauvillier gave the Capitals the lead back, Protas sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 18:18 of the third.
Following the win, the Capitals stayed on the ice to shake the hand of Kopitar, who will be retiring at the end of the season.
“(We) just wanted to congratulate him on an amazing career,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously, it’s a sad moment, but it’s life, and it’s sad but I wish him all the best.
“It’s a show of respect, obviously. It’s a game, but after the whistle, it’s to show respect to him for all he’s done for this game, for this league, and it’s just about all of our respect.”
