Plauderecke » helped the Washington Capitals keep pace in the playoff

ST. LOUIS -- Alex Ovechkin took his place in the NHL record book and helped the Washington Capitals keep pace in the playoff race. Ovechkin became the 11th player in NHL history to score 50 more goals in a season five times and added two assists as the Capitals beat the slumping St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Tuesday night. The two points gave the Capitals 85, four behind Columbus for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Both the Blue Jackets and Capitals have three games left. "We talked this morning about all we can do is control our situation," Washington coach Adam Oates said. "Try and focus on tonight, get a win and see what happens tomorrow." The Blues clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference a while ago, but their hopes of a Presidents Trophy are fading. Maxim Lapierre had the only goal for St. Louis, which has lost a season-high three straight. The Blues have been outscored 12-3 during the losing streak. St. Louis has scored two or fewer goals in nine of its last 11 games. "I thought the first period we were really good," St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock said. "When we got down 3-1, we just seemed to lose our energy." Hitchcock said the Blues scoring problems are more than just the top lines not delivering. "I think its across the board," Hitchcock said. "When youre not scoring, you need to shoot, but its more the execution after we got down." Nicklas Backstrom scored twice and Mikhail Grabovski added another goal for the Capitals. Braden Holtby made 28 saves after he started over Jaroslav Halak, who played 40 games and recorded 24 wins for the Blues this season. Holtby also beat the Blues 4-1 on Nov. 17. "We got fortunate in some places, a broken stick on a wide-open shot and a few others where they just missed, but I think that was a credit to us pressuring them on those scoring chances," Holtby said. "Its a game of those little things and tonight we did that." Holtby said the Capitals have done what they had to do the last few games. "I think weve done a pretty good job of staying calm and just playing our game the last couple," Holtby said. "Its hard, its a tough thing, but we can only control what we can control now." Ovechkin, who added an assist, beat Ryan Miller with a one-timer from the left circle at 17:54 of the first period for his 50th goal overall and 23rd on the power play, both league highs. It is Ovechkins first 50-goal campaign since 2009-10 when he scored 50. His single-season high is 65 in the 2007-08 season. "It means a lot," Ovechkin said. "Thats a big number, and its going to be there my whole life." After Lapierre tied the game at 2:39 of the second period, Grabovski gave the Capitals the lead for good when he beat Miller with a slap shot from the left circle at 8:52 of the period. Ovechkin then gave Washington some insurance when he broke in down the right wing and fed Backstrom in the slot. Backstrom put it past Miller with 1:10 left in the second period to make it 3-1. "It was a great feed again," Backstrom said. "That was a seam pass there and that defenceman gave me a little room, so you have to take advantage of that." Washington began the third period on a power play and Backstrom put the game out of reach when he scored 16 seconds into the period. NOTES: Ovechkin is tied with Pavel Bure, Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull, Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman with five seasons of 50 or more goals. Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky accomplished that nine times, and Marcel Dionne, Guy Lafleur and Mario Lemieux had six such seasons. ... Alexander Steen returned to the Blues lineup after missing the last three games. ... Tuesday marked the first time the Capitals have been in St. Louis since Dec. 1, 2010, when they also beat the Blues 4-1. Eddie Rosario Twins Jersey . Parmelee hit a game-ending shot in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins overcame David Ortizs big night to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Tuesday. Max Kepler Twins Jersey . The Hockey Canada Foundation is donating $50,000, with Hockey Quebec contributing $15,000. Hockey Canada also announced it will hold a skills camp for all levels of minor hockey in Lac-Mégantic during the 2013-14 season. Representatives from Hockey Canada, the Hockey Canada Foundation and Hockey Quebec were on hand Tuesday night at a meeting of the AHM de Lac-Mégantic to make the announcement and presentation. http://www.twinssale.com/twins-michael-pineda-jersey/ . Bilbaos first victory in four rounds lifted it four points clear of Real Sociedad and kept it in command of Spains last Champions League berth for next season. In contrast, Betis was left 11 points from safety after a dismal performance that at times bordered on self-destruction amid some questionable refereeing decisions. Jorge Polanco Jersey . Rodriguez, who has steadfastly denied using banned substances while with the New York Yankees, made the decision nearly four weeks after arbitrator Fredric Horowitz largely upheld the discipline issued last summer by baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. "I think its a good move for him," former Commissioner Fay Vincent said. Eddie Rosario Jersey .com) - The Toronto Blue Jays will look to snap a three-game skid Friday night when they continue their road trip in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.Mondays closing of the transfer window overshadowed last weekend in the Barclays Premier League. Somehow, moves not made before the window closed ended up dwarfing the moves that were consummated. Gareth Bales big money transfer to Real Madrid was a headline maker, but with the move inevitable weeks prior, the hysteria was muted to a degree. Mesut Ozils last minute shock move to Arsenal created a stir, but the Gunners title credentials are very much still up in the air, even with Ozil. The biggest headlines Monday came out of Old Trafford. The failure of Manchester United to make a significant splash (not named Marouane Fellaini), despite the need for strengthening and the financial wherewithal to do so, left an early stain on the immediate post-Ferguson era and raised questions about what kind of hands the club are now in. It wasnt just about whom they failed to land, but how it went down that drew widespread criticism. Uniteds transfer window dealings has been called farcical and incompetent in the past few days. Use whatever descriptor you like; vice-chairman Ed Woodward and manager David Moyes didnt live up to the lofty standard of their predecessors. In very un-Ferguson/Gill fashion, the duo left important dealings too late in the window, failing to display the confident, composed and controlled demeanor and way of doing business accustomed to the great Manchester United. The failures have been dealt with at length, from imposters, to misunderstanding of Spanish tax law, to not having a clear blueprint how to attract top talent to Old Trafford. The term laughing stock is a bit much. Inadequate fits the bill. To advance the conversation, the more relevant issue now is how United puts the past two months of wavering behind them, while ridding questions pertaining to the standing of the club. To that end, United have nothing to worry about. Yes, Im daring to tell you Manchester United will be just fine. Shocking, isnt it. A club with a history of success, top players, and record earnings will be okay. The negative headlines are temporary. In the immediate world of Twitter and instant analysis and often times sloppy reporting, narratives are built up and torn down at an incredible rate. Uniteds failure Monday and the weeks prior played into the sky is falling narrative. The sky is just fine in Manchester. Rainy, but fine. Lets give it a couple weeks, if United come out on top in the Manchester derby two weeks from now, criticism will be muted. Not of the process, Woodward and Moyes have much to learn, but its the play on the field, the results that matter. It can be suggested Uniteds results over the years covered up inefficiencies. Since the transfer window came to be in 2003, United have spent less than Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and even Spurs. Yet, United have won four more trophies than its nearest competitor Chelsea, and three more league titles. The purchase of quality and fit, not price tag has been decisive. Fergusons backroom staff grew together, sharing similar vision, getting the most of what theyve had at their disposal. The New York Yankees comparison only holds true, as the Bronx Bombers, despite their spending, are able to cultivate young talent as well. The system of recruitment has been far from perfect (Bebe, anyone?) even under Ferguson. Sir Alex failed to bring in proper centre midfield players to play along side Michael Carrick since he brought Owen Hargreaves to Old Trafford in 2007. Saying you need to strengthening a position is much easier said than finding the right player to fit the plan. Moyes plan is incomplete and it shouldnt surprise, judging by the lack of originality and flexibility in his starting XI through three weeks, Moyes is still figuring out what he has in his squad. In the meantime, hes playing it safe and going for consistency. Not trying to defend the Scotsman, but the learning curve is steep. Hes only been on the job since July 1. The identity will come and suitable players will follow. The bigger concern is the credentials of Woodward to execute in the transfer window. Bean counters should stick to sponsorships, not navigating through the murky waters of dealing with agents and shrewd negotiators on the transfer front. The suggestion United may need a Director of Football post-Ferguson is well warranted. Perhaps the job description at Old Trafford dictates more compartmentalization – something the club was able to get away without under the watchful eye of Fergguson.dddddddddddd United was his baby, now the club is all grown up, and more complex as ever. Woodward should stick to growing the brand. Let football people make football decisions. As for the immediate future, United has as good of a chance to win the title as any of their true Premier League competition and there is no reason to believe another deep run in the Champions League cannot be achieved. This is the same team, plus Fellaini, that ran away with the league a year ago and were an ominous Nani red card away from dispatching Real Madrid in the Champions League. Fellaini is a top pick up for United, no matter how you slice it. He may not have a marquee name like Neymar or Ozil, but hes the type of versatile player in the middle of the park United has desperately needed. Fellaini has size (64 1/2), strength and is entering his prime at 25 years of age. United has often times been bossed in central midfield by the likes of Yaya Toure. Spurs gave all kinds of fits to United last season and have continued to strengthen the position. Fellaini is comfortable in a defensive midfield role, as well as playing well forward off the striker creating fits with his size. Moyes can use Fellaini in various roles depending on the occasion. His 11 goals and six assists a year ago are a testament to his game changing ability. United may have overpaid for Fellaini, they may have not landed a second midfielder and approaches for other top names went for naught. However, this team is still good enough to see out this transitional period while maintaining their high standard. Many speculate Moyes will have to buy in January. Ironically enough, Sir Alex Ferguson always said January wasnt the time to do business, with transfer rates inflated and a lack of value in the market. Before the window re-opens, lets see what Moyes can do. Lets see what Kagawa can do with a run in the team. Lets see Rooney and van Persie continue to grow together. Lets see what Zaha can do, when given a chance. And lets see how Fellaini does on a bigger stage with a team of top talent around him. Its now Moyes turn to makes the headlines, not transfer rumours, dealings, and disappointments. - Everton has been widely credited for their work in the transfer window. The club left it late before bringing in James McCarthy from Wigan, and Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku on loan. Perhaps it was intentional, driving up the price for Fellaini at the last minute. Regardless, pressure is now on manager Roberto Martinez. Many pundits have said Martinez is over-rated. I dont agree with that sentiment. Everton hasnt been entirely unimpressive through three draws in three matches. Much of it comes down to a lack of goal scoring, and the hope is Lukaku proves a vast improvement over the misfiring Nikica Jelavic. - Got to hand it to Liverpool – a perfect record through three matches is the teams best start in nearly 20 years. And on top of that, they have yet to concede a goal. The play of Daniel Sturridge has been the highlight, and Coutinho has had his moments. But other than those, the team has been efficient, yet not spectacular. - Thats a testament to the tactics of Brendan Rodgers and the commitment to team shape and approach. Most noticeably, Steven Gerrard has taken up a much deeper, holding role in the midfield. Gerrard is basically sitting on top of the back four, maintaining the shape defensively and quarterbacking the attack. Hes no longer the influential player getting up in the attack. Gerrards new role suits the team better. The loan move for Victor Moses could prove to be a shrewd piece of business, filling a need. - Match-day three top performers: Nathan Redmond (Norwich City), Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle), Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) - Worst performance: Fulham, entire squad - If they only had a proper striker: West Ham - Under the radar transfer moves to watch: Peter Odemwingie to Cardiff City, Barry Bannan to Crystal Palace, James McCarthy to Everton - Good Game, Good Effort of the Week: Hull City. Should have, could have been up on Manchester City at the Etihad. If you dont bury your chances … a tough way to learn life in the Premier League is about decisiveness and taking advantage of chances. The Tigers lost 2-0. You can reach Gareth at gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca or follow him on Twitter, @WheelerTSN ' ' '