Collin Graf had a goal and an assist as the San Jose Sharks got back in the win column with a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

Pavol Regenda also had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who have lost just twice in the past seven games. Zack Ostapchuk had a goal, and Macklin Celebrini registered an assist in the win. Alex Nedeljkovic started and made 21 saves. Nedeljkovic has now won his past three starts.

Celebrini’s assist was his 33rd primary assist of the season. The Sharks forward has the most among all players this season (next closest: Connor McDavid: 30). Celebrini can become the first teenager to lead an entire season in primary assists. 

Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard scored for the Capitals, who haven’t won back-to-back games since they played the Sharks on Dec. 3. Alex Ovechkin had a power-play assist, and Canadian Olympic teammate of Celebrini Logan Thompson made 23 saves.

Will Smith did not play on Thursday, but is expected to return from an upper-body injury on Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. Smith hasn’t played since Dec. 13 and would be a welcome addition to the San Jose Sharks lineup.

Strome gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead with a power play goal at 10:58 of the second period. Ovechkin took a one-timer from his spot that went wide but bounced back in front of the net for Strome to lift in on the backhand.

Ostapchuk tied the game 1-1 at 13:27. Dmitry Orlov raced the puck into the zone and had a strong forecheck to allow the puck to bounce in front for the goal.

Graf put the Sharks in front, 2-1, at 14:53 after Regenda completed a great backcheck, saucering a pass to Graf in front. Graf lifted the puck over Thompson’s glove.

Regenda pushed the Sharks’ lead to 3-1 at 16:13. Celebrini won another puck battle behind the net and put a perfect through-the-legs back pass to Regenda in front.

Leonard got one back for the Capitals to make it 3-2 at 9:11 of the third period. Leonard walked around Reaves and scored with a shot by Nedeljkovic.

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