NHL: Washington 4, San Jose 1

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Alexander Ovechkin scored twice in a 28-second span Thursday, leading the Washington Capitals to a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks.

Ovechkin, the NHL's top goal-scorer through seven games in the new season, broke a 1-1 tie on a tip-in 2:55 into the second period, then placed a wrist shot past San Jose goalie Evgeni Nobokov at the 3:23 mark.

Alexander Semin (power play) and Matt Bradley also scored goals.

Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison had two assists apiece, while goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov, in place of the injured starter Jose Theodore, stopped all 15 shots he faced for the Capitals, who snapped a four-game losing streak.

They had not beaten the Sharks since Feb. 20, 1999, a span of 11 straight losses.

San Jose's goal was scored by Benn Ferriero at 14:07 of the first.

Nabokov was beaten four times on 36 shots for the Sharks, who were playing the first contest in a six-game road trip.