Capitals Vs. Blue Jackets: Washington Wins 4-2 Behind Two Alexander Ovechkin Goals

The Washington Capitals (20-15-2, 42 points) and Alexander Ovechkin ended 2011 in style, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets (10-23-5, 25 points) by a score of 4-2 on New Year's Eve.

Ovechkin scored twice in the third period, half of the Capitals goals in a six-plus minute span in the final stanza Saturday night.. After scoring just eight goals in Washington's first 29 games, Ovechkin now has seven goals in his last eight games, including a six-game scoring streak during which he has amassed six goals and three assists.

As a team, the Capitals have scored 12 third-period goals in their last six games. They have 46 in the final period this season. Columbus, on the other hand, has been outscored 52-26 in the final period this year.

Netminder Tomas Vokoun had 35 saves for the Caps.

Check out the Capitals complete schedule here. For more news, discussion, and analysis on the Capitals, visit Japers' Rink.

Capitals Vs. Blue Jackets: Cody Eakin To Play, Tomas Vokoun To Start

Cody Eakin will play for the Washington Capitals Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets in place of Jay Beagle, according to The Washington Post's Katie Carrera.

The Caps recalled Eakin after Friday's 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Eakin was at Verizon Center during the game and traveled with the team Friday night. According to head coach Dale Hunter, Eakin will play to give Jay Beagle a break after recently returning from a two-month layoff with a concussion. Hunter also felt like Eakin deserved to rewarded for his play since his assignment to AHL Hershey; in four games with the Bears, Eakin has four goals and an assist.

Meanwhile, Tomas Vokoun will start his third consecutive game after allowing only two goals in his last two starts.

Jeff Schultz will likely be the defensive healthy scratch. He has appeared in just five games under Hunter. Mike Green is on the trip, but will not play after the team placed him on injured reserve Friday. It is retroactive from November 11 and he can be activated at any time.

Capitals Vs. Blue Jackets: Washington Ends 2011 In Columbus Against Lowly Jackets

The Caps look to celebrate the end of 2011 Saturday in a New Year's Eve bash against the Blue Jackets.