NHL: Chicago 5, Washington 2

CHICAGO, March 18 (UPI) -- Rookie center Andrew Shaw notched a pair of goals and an assist Sunday, boosting the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-2 victory over Washington.

Bryan Bickell added a goal and two assists, while Patrick Kane and Viktor Stalberg also scored for surging Chicago, which improved to 7-1-1 in its last nine games, all without injured captain Jonathan Toews.

Corey Crawford turned aside 16-of-18 shots to earn the victory.

Mike Knuble and Alex Ovechkin scored for the Capitals, who came into the game clinging to a two-point lead in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Michal Neuvirth made 24 saves for Washington.