The Capitals should be buyers at the NHL trade deadline and should make a serious offer for Elias Pettersson from the Canucks.

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson, Nashville Predators left-wing Filip Forsberg and Boston Bruins right-wing David Pastrnak have been named the NHL's three stars of the week. Thompson made 61 saves on 62 shots over three wins to lift the Capitals (31-10-5,

A third-period goal from Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust snaps goalie Logan Thompson’s scoreless streak at just shy of 120 minutes.

The win Saturday was another example of how far the Capitals have come. Although Alex Ovechkin was held without a goal -- leaving him with 874 and 21 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 -- Washington demonstrated its improved depth and controlled play almost from start to finish.

It started with a trade between the Bruins and Capitals (and Wild as a third-party broker). The Capitals moved out two pending free agents, Garnet Hathaway and Dmitry Orlov, in exchange for a 2023 first-rounder, 2024 third, 2025 second and Craig Smith.

The Penguins and Capitals renewed arguably the highest-profile rivalry of the salary-cap era on Saturday night.

Another name to keep an eye on, of course, is Ryan Leonard, who has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four outings overall, and he has 15 goals and 22 points in 21 games to boot. He's expected to sign his entry-level contract with Washington in the spring and bring an immediate boost to the NHL lineup.

The NHL power rankings see the Maple Leafs and Canucks falling, the Capitals, Senators, Canadiens and Red Wings rising and much more.

The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, the record 179th goaltender he's scored on.

NEW YORK - Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson, Nashville Predators left-wing Filip Forsberg and Boston Bruins right-wing David Pastrnak have been named the NHL's three stars of the week.