Streaking Capitals clip the Red Wings

John Carlson and Joel Ward scored in the second period, Braden Holtby stopped 26 shots and the Washington Capitals beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 Saturday night, local time.

Troy Brouwer also scored for Washington, which improved to 12-1-4 in its past 17 games.

Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, named to his second NHL All-Star game earlier Saturday, left early in the first period with a groin injury after attempting to make the save on Brouwer’s goal. Howard finished with two saves.

Jonathan Ericsson scored his first goal of the season for Detroit, and Petr Mrazek made 12 saves in relief of Howard.

Washington finished with just 17 shots on goal, and Alex Ovechkin’s consecutive games with a goal streak ended at five.

Hotlby was making his 18th straight start and has appeared in 24 consecutive games.

The Red Wings fell to 2-2 on their six-game road trip.

Howard was carried off on a stretcher after Brouwer’s goal just 1:53 in. After Washington dumped the puck in, Howard stopped it behind the net and started back around front, but Brouwer got to the puck first.

AP