Capitals Too Powerful for Rangers, 7-2

Finally, the Washington Capitals are executing their power play.

Sergei Gonchar had a goal and three assists and the Capitals produced five power-play goals in a 7-2 victory over the New York Rangers in a penalty-filled game Sunday at Washington.

Robert Lang scored twice and Calle Johansson, Kip Miller and Peter Bondra also scored for the Capitals, who are 2-0-2 in their last four games.

Washington has recorded two or more power-play goals in five of its last nine games. The Capitals have 19 power-play goals in 16 games.

Only a month ago, Washington was not delivering on its power play. The Capitals entered the game with the 13th-best power play in the NHL.

“The key is that we stuck together,” Gonchar said. “In the beginning of the game, we got a five-minute penalty [called against Washington] and we killed it. That was huge -- the game started and we were down for five minutes.”

Referees Mike Hasenfratz and Brad Watson called 179 minutes in penalties, 123 against the Rangers.

There were three fighting majors assessed and several other melees that resulted in six misconduct penalties and two game misconducts, both handed to New York. Ranger defenseman Boris Mironov was ejected in the opening minute.

Montreal 4, Chicago 3 -- The Canadiens remained undefeated through regulation (2-0-2-1) under new Coach Claude Julien.

Jan Bulis scored midway through the third period to give them the win at Montreal.

Chicago rookie Tyler Arnason tied the score at 3-3 early in the third period. Bulis restored the Canadiens’ lead with 11 minutes left when he took a pass from Doug Gilmour and fired the puck over Jocelyn Thibault.

Montreal held a 31-19 advantage in shots, including a 12-5 margin in the second period while scoring three straight goals.

Vancouver 1, Phoenix 0 -- Markus Naslund scored his NHL-leading 34th goal and Peter Skudra made 20 saves for the Canucks at Vancouver.

Zac Bierk made 22 saves for the Coyotes, who had a three-game winning streak in which they outscored opponents, 15-3.