CAPITALS 5, RED WINGS 3: Captain Alex Ovechkin scored two power-play goals and Braden Holtby made 30 saves in his second start of the season as visiting Washington maintained its hold on eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Capitals, who lead Buffalo by two points and Winnipeg by four, also moved to within three of the idle Florida Panthers for the Southeast Division lead.

Ovechkin's goals were sandwiched around Mike Knuble's tally as Washington took a 3-0 lead in the first period. The two-time league MVP scored his first at 7:48 when he one-timed a pass from Marcus Johansson.

Down 2-0, Detroit thought they had momentum when Cory Emmerton scored, but the goal was disallowed as Tomas Holmstrom was called for goaltender interference. Ovechkin scored on the subsequent power play for his 32nd goal.

Kyle Quincey eventually put Detroit on the board at 5:15 of the second period on the power play, but Keith Aucoin restored the Capital’s three-goal lead later in the frame. Johansson added his second assist.

Todd Bertuzzi and Danny Cleary scored in the third period for Detroit but its comeback fell short as Jason Chimera scored into an empty net.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Dale Hunter improved to 25-21-5 since taking over as coach of the Capitals on Nov. 29. … Detroit has trailed after the first period in five straight games. … Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard gave up three goals on 10 shots in the first period. … Washington’s Alexander Semin also had two assists.