Sometimes divorces end in happiness for both partners. That’s what happened with the Ottawa Senators and Jakob Chychrun, who are separately thriving this season, writes Alex Adams.

Pierre-Luc Dubois scored twice, including the game-winner with 41 seconds left in overtime, as the Washington Capitals defeated the visiting Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

Washington Capitals left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) celebrates his goal with center Connor ... and Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun battle for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Washington.

But the Capitals were expecting the game to be “a little bit nasty,” as Coach Spencer Carbery put it after his team won, 2-1, in overtime behind two goals from center Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was at the center of the high-emotion proceedings throughout.

Alex Tuch scored twice, JJ Peterka had the deciding goal in the shootout and the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on on Monday night.

This game started with some stupidity from both the Capitals and the officials. Pierre-Luc Dubois was called for a lazy hooking penalty on Quinn Hughes, which led to PLD getting frustrated and going right back at the Canucks’ captain with a couple of stick swings.

The Capitals will look to keep trending in the right direction against Ottawa, as Jakob Chychrun makes his return for the first time since being traded.

January 9 - Pierre-Luc Dubois scored twice ... The Capitals got their chance with 13:22 left in the third, but Jakob Chychrun was unable to find the back of the net with a pair of shots.

Washington Capitals (30-10-5, 65 points, 1st place Metropolitan Division) When: 7:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcasting on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Monumental in the local markets, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens are headed out West.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-20-8) remain below .500 after leaving a smoldering crater where a five-game homestand was supposed to be. However, the Penguins clicked with A-level goaltending Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres and got back on the winning track.

THROUGH GAMES OF SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 2025

The Ottawa Senators return home with a tall order as they take on the best team in the East and League — the Washington Capitals. Washington leads the league with a 0.716 save percentage at 63 points in 44 games.