WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Dennis Wideman recorded the first hat trick of his seven-year career Friday, lifting the Washington Capitals to a 4-2 victory over Toronto.
All of the Capitals' goals came on the power play, as Washington won back-to-back games for the first time under Coach Dale Hunter.
Wideman had a goal in each period. His third came with 1:19 remaining in the game and gave the Capitals some insurance after Cody Franson had brought the Maple Leafs within one with 6:44 to play.
Nicklas Backstrom scored the other goal for Washington and Wideman assisted on that one.
Wideman had produced more than one point in a game just once all season prior to Friday's scoring outburst. He has six goals for the season.
Tomas Vokoun made 26 saves in the victory.
James Reimer allowed four goals on 25 shots.
Phil Kessel scored for Toronto in the second period, giving him 18 for the season and moving him into a tie for the league lead with Ottawa's Milan Michalek.
