Capitals Defeat Kings 3-1 to Reclaim Top Spot in Eastern Conference

Aliaksei Protas scores twice as Washington secures its 10th win in the last 13 games, overcoming Los Angeles' power-play breakthrough.

Aliaksei Protas led the Capitals with two goals, including an empty-netter, while Jakub Vrana added a power-play goal to secure the win.
Pierre-Luc Dubois contributed two assists, extending his point streak to three games and solidifying his role as Washington's top scorer in December.
Logan Thompson made 25 saves for the Capitals, improving his record to 13-2-2 this season as Washington climbed back atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Kevin Fiala ended the Kings' six-game power-play scoring drought with a second-period goal, but Los Angeles has now lost three of its last four games.
With Alex Ovechkin sidelined due to injury, Protas has stepped up offensively, matching his career-high point total in significantly fewer games.