Thomas guides Bruins to win in return to D.C.

WASHINGTON — Tim Thomas' return to the nation's capital was less political and more successful.

Playing about 10 blocks from the White House — a place he famously avoided two weeks ago — Thomas carried a shutout deep into the third period Sunday as the Boston Bruins snapped a two-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Thomas' no-show, accompanied by a Facebook post about a federal government that he said was "out of control," overshadowed his teammates' day of celebration when the reigning Stanley Cup champions were honored by President Barack Obama on Jan. 23. He didn't play the next day, when the Bruins lost 5-3 to the Capitals.

But last year's Vezina Trophy winner and playoff MVP was in fine form for a Super Bowl Sunday matinee, the first time all season he's played on back-to-back days. Among his 35 saves was a quick reflex stop against Alex Ovechkin when the Capitals forward had an open look after a rebound.

"Tim's capable of doing that for us, and he's done that a lot in the past," Boston coach Claude Julien said. "And I thought he was on top of his game today."

Thomas was booed pregame, but there's no telling how much of it was the standard disdain shown by Washington fans for any opposing star player.

"I think I'm pretty much booed at every arena, wouldn't you say?" Thomas said. "Even before anything happened?"

Still, he acknowledged it was good to have a trip back to Washington that was all about hockey.

"Yeah, yeah, it was. This is more normal," he said. "This is what I'm used to, that's for sure."

Canadiens 3, Jets 0

In Montreal, Carey Price made 23 saves for his third shutout of the season, Tomas Plekanec had a goal and an assist and the Canadiens ended a three-game losing streak.

Max Pacioretty scored his 19th goal in the first and Alexei Emelin made it 2-0 with a short-handed goal 7:20 into the second. Plekanec, who set up Emelin's goal, was credited with his 11th goal on a power play at 11:28.

Rangers 5, Flyers 2

In New York, Artem Anisimov had a goal and two assists, Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves and the Rangers continued their recent success against the Flyers.

Devils 5, Penguins 2

In Newark, New Jersey, Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists, and the Devils extended their winning streak to four.

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