The recent Alex Ovechkin dry spell and Alexander Semin hot streak had one positive that many probably didn't realize—it masked the slow start of Nicklas Backstrom.

The second-year player didn't score his first goal until early last week but still kept playing his game. He added his second goal Saturday night plus four more assists as the Devils pulled out a 6-5 victory over the Caps.

Backstrom can do so very many things. The former first-round pick is like a good basketball point guard. If something is happening in the offensive end and he's on the ice, he probably has a hand in it.

Now Backstrom has two goals and 14 assists and is a big reason the Caps' offense has taken off again in recent games.

The biceps injury that will sideline Marty Brodeur for four months has given Scott Clemmensen a chance to prove he's more than a backup goalie. Clemmensen, getting a second straight start, stopped all three Washington shooters after Zach Parise scored the only goal in the shootout and the New Jersey Devils ended a four-game losing streak with a 6-5 victory over the Capitals on Saturday night.

Washington Capitals goalie Jose Theodore hadn't made a start in nearly two weeks thanks to teammate Brent Johnson's winning streak. When Theodore had a chance to get back into net for the Capitals Friday night, he made it count. His only blemish was a late breakaway goal against his 32 saves. His goaltending, along with goals by Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann, led to the Capitals' 3-1 win...

If Alexander Semin keeps this up, he might not be the other Alex in Washington for long. Semin had two goals and three assists to take the NHL scoring lead, and the Capitals routed the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on Wednesday night to take sole possession of the Southeast Division lead. "I hope he's going to play the same way -- he's going to be the best player in the league," said linemate -- and face...