NHL: Washington 5, N.Y. Islanders 2

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Donald Brashear scored his first goal of the year Thursday and it turned out to be the game winner in Washington's 5-2 decision over the New York Islanders.

Alexander Ovechkin had a goal and two assists for the Capitals, who halted a two-game losing streak and improved to 10-1-1 at home this season.

Washington, which was coming off its first home regulation loss of the campaign, got 27 saves from Brent Johnson. The Capitals increased their lead atop the Southeast Division to five points over Carolina.

Mark Streit and Trent Hunter scored for the Islanders, losers of three out of four. Washington piled up 46 shots on New York goaltender Joey MacDonald.

Brashear's goal broke a 2-2 tie 6:50 into the third period. He emerged from a crowd in front of the goal and backhanded the puck past MacDonald.

The Islanders had won their previous three meetings with the Capitals.