Braden Holtby makes 26 saves, Capitals beat Senators 2-1 to 3rd straight win

Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) uses his body to shove Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) out of the way during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

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Ottawa Senators left wing David Dziurzynski, right, tries to shoot a rebound past Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70), with Capitals defenseman Taylor Chorney (4) helping Holtby, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), from Russia, skates with the puck with Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (6) behind, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

WASHINGTON – Braden Holtby made 26 saves to help the Washington Capitals beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Holtby lowered his NHL-best goals-against average to 1.83 and improved to 20-4-1. He has allowed three goals in his last three games, making 35 saves in a 2-1 victory at Tampa Bay on Saturday night and 44 in a 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh on Monday night.

Michael Latta opened the scoring in the first period and set up John Carlson's second-period goal.

Washington's Tom Wilson was hit with a late match penalty, and Bobby Ryan scored for Ottawa on the power play with 4:14 left

Eastern Conference-leading Washington has won three consecutive games and four of its last five. Ottawa has dropped three of its last four games.