Ovechkin scores 2 goals and Capitals pound Jets 6-1

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Alex Ovechkin scored two goals and Braden Holtby made 30 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-1 on Friday.

Brooks Laich, Troy Brouwer, Jay Beagle and Mike Green also scored for the Capitals and Mike Ribeiro had two assists as Washington picked up a much-needed four points in two nights thanks to the Jets.

Dustin Byfuglien scored Winnipeg's goal in the third, winning a standing ovation as he stopped what looked like another shutout to follow Thursday's 4-0 loss to the Capitals.

Winnipeg kept its tenuous hold on first place in the Southeast Division with closest rival Carolina idle.

Washington moved ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who visit Winnipeg on Sunday.