Kings Crush Caps

Capitals roster

"It was encouraging for us not to be hanging on by one goal at the end of the game," Kings coach Andy Murray said.

Jamie Storr in the Kings goal stopped 15 shots for his first victory of the season. He was back in the net for the first time since starting Oct. 16 at Tampa Bay, where he played one period before leaving with a groin strain.

"When guys get goals in front of you like that, it gets the adrenaline rushing," Storr said. "All that shows is character. Every player was awesome."

Donald Audette scored two goals and an assist and linemate Bryan Smolinski had a goal and two assists.

"We were sluggish in the first," Audette said. "In the second and third, we really dominated and got a lot of chances by keeping the puck down low."

Washington took an early lead with goals by Peter Bondra and Calle Johansson, but Kings came back quickly when Luc Robitaille tipped Aki Berg's wrist shot in the net for his ninth goal. Rob Blake and Smolinski broke the tie in the third period with goals in 33 seconds.

Olaf Kolzig in Washington's goal made 18 saves and smashed his stick in the ice in frustration after Smolinski's goal in the third period.

"I should have grabbed his stick and smashed it, too," Capitals coach Ron Wilson said.

Kings' second line of Audette, Smolinski and Glenn Murray is now scoring consistently adding another weapon to the Kings' arsenal in addition to the fist line of Robitaille, Jozef Stumpel and Ziggy Palffy.

The Capitals have won only two of their first eight games and appeared confused and lacking passion.

"I'm looking for results here and commitment to playing for the team," Wilson said, "and if guys don't want to play the way that I ask them to play, then I'll just leave. If they want someone else, fine. That's no big deal to me. Trust me. I'll find something else to do."