Viktor Kozlov had two goals and an assist, and Washington extended its winning streak to five games with a 4-2 victory over struggling St. Louis. David Backes scored for the third consecutive game, and Brad Winchester also had a goal for the Blues, who have dropped five straight.
Three Capitals goals in 3:07 in the second period turned a 1-1 tie into a lopsided game. Washington notched its 20th victory in its 33rd game. Last season, it took the Capitals 46 games and until Jan. 17 to reach that mark.
Kozlov broke a scoreless tie 16:14 into the first period with his sixth goal. He took a pass from Nicklas Backstrom in the left corner, skated out and snapped a shot past St. Louis native goalie Ben Bishop.
A tip-in by Backes tied it midway through the second period. Washington scored 40 seconds apart late in the second period, giving Washington a 3-1 lead and then just 13 seconds into the third period, scored again.
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced Thursday that Captain Eric Brewer will have surgery on Dec. 19 with a herniated disc in his back. He will be sidelined indefinitely. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Timothy Kuklo, MD., JD., at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Brewer’s last game was December 11th in Los Angeles.
