NHL: Washington 7, Florida 1

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, March 7 (UPI) -- John Erskine scored less than 2 minutes into the game to start a Washington onslaught Thursday and the Capitals rolled to a 7-1 win over Florida.

Seven players scored for Washington, which enjoyed its largest offensive output of the season.

Braden Holtby coasted to the easy win, carrying a shutout deep into the third period and making 29 saves.

Washington scored its seven goals on 26 shots. Erskine and Wojtek Wolski tallied on the Capitals' first two attempts, which led to the quick departure of Florida goaltender Jakob Markstrom. He was making only his fourth appearance of the season and the 12th of his career scattered over three seasons.

Scott Clemmensen came on in relief and allowed five goals on 24 shots.

Washington took a 4-0 lead after one period with John Carlson and Mike Ribeiro contributing goals.

Alex Ovechkin's power-play tally was the only goal of the second period and Eric Fehr made it 6-0 before Florida finally scored.

Mathieu Perreault tacked on Washington's seventh goal with 59 seconds to play.