Caps Mount Epic Comeback Without Ovechkin, Beat Hawks 4-3

For more on this game and the aftermath of Ovechkin’s hit on Campbell, visit our Capitals blog, Japers’ Rink, or our Hawks blog, Second City Hockey.
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Nicklas Backstrom scored twice, including the winning goal at 3:10 of overtime, as the Washington Capitals rallied to beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-3, at United Center.
Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr scored 2:16 apart in the third period to erase a 3-0 deficit. Jose Theodore made 20 saves for the Capitals, who have already secured their third consecutive Southeast Division title and lead the NHL with 101 points.
Washington mustered the comeback without captain Alex Ovechkin. He missed the majority of the contest after receiving a major and a game misconduct for shoving Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell, who crashed violently into the end boards from behind at the 12:16 mark of the first period. Campbell’s right shoulder appeared to aborsb most of the collision. He did not return to the game.
Jonathan Toews had a pair of goals for Chicago, which was coming off a tough 3-2 loss in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Blackhawks surrendered two goals in the final 2:04 against the Flyers, including Chris Pronger’s game-winner with 2.1 seconds left.
Antti Niemi stopped 26 shots to take the loss.