Roman Josi, Steven Stamkos push Predators past Capitals

Roman Josi had a goal and two assists and the host Nashville Predators held on late for a 3-2 win against the Washington Capitals on Sunday night.

Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist for the Predators, who have won two of three. Justus Annunen made 29 saves, including four in the final minute of the game during 6-on-5 play.

Alex Ovechkin scored in his fourth straight game (five goals) and had an assist, and Ethen Frank scored in his second straight game for the Capitals, who have lost two of three and have not won consecutive games since Dec. 2-3. Charlie Lindgren made 18 saves.

Ovechkin recorded his 21st career 20-goal season to pass Ron Francis (20) for the second-most in NHL history behind Gordie Howe (22).

Capitals forward Justin Sourdif left the game early in the second period after being hit in the face by the puck.

Ovechkin gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 5:56 of the first period, scoring on a one-timer from the left circle off a pass from John Carlson during a 5-on-3 power play.

Stamkos tied it 1-1 with a power-play goal at 13:15, connecting on a one-timer from the left circle, with the assist coming on a cross-ice pass from Filip Forsberg.

It was Stamkos's 601st career goal, tying Jari Kurri for 21st place on the NHL's all-time list.

Stamkos came in alone late in the period, but the puck was a bit ahead of him and Lindgren dove to knock it away while Stamkos somersaulted over the goalie.

Cole Smith gave Nashville a 2-1 lead at 1:12 of the third period when he scored from between the circles of a pass from Josi on the rush.

Josi made it 3-1 at 3:29, scoring on a one-timer from above the right circle off a pass from Stamkos during a 5-on-3 power play.

Frank pulled the Capitals within 3-2 with a power-play goal at 9:03, picking up a loose puck in the slot and beating Annunen glove side.