NHL: Washington 5, Ottawa 1

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Brent Johnson stopped 32-of-33 shots Friday when the Washington Capitals recorded a 5-1 win over Ottawa.

Johnson started in goal because Jose Theodore sustained a hip injury during Washington's Friday morning practice session. Johnson came within about 2 ½ minutes of his first shutout this season.

Reigning NHL MVP Alexander Ovechkin scored twice on the power play, giving him 17 goals this season.

Mike Green had a goal and two assists. Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich scored once each, while Sergei Fedorov had three assists for the Capitals, who improved to 12-1-1 on home ice.

The Senators' lone goal was scored by Jesse Winchester at 17:37 of the third period.

Alex Auld was beaten five times in Ottawa's third straight loss.

On the power play, Washington went 3-for-7 and Ottawa failed to score on its four man-advantage chances.

The Caps dressed 6-foot-7 inch Brett Leonhardt, a producer on the team's Web site, as a possible backup goalie. Leonhardt played in college and has participated in drills during Capitals' practices.