Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) is stopped by Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) during the shootout in an NHL hockey game in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Alex Ovechkin had a hat trick in a 6:33 span in the third period and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the shootout winner in the Washington Capitals’ 5-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

Brett Connolly also scored for Washington, and Braden Holtby made 28 saves. Mark Stone struck twice for the Senators, Derick Brassard had a goal and two assists, Chris Wideman also scored, and Craig Anderson made 24 saves.

Ovechkin scored twice in a 1:23 span to tie it early in the third period.

Cody Ceci turned the puck over down low, allowing Kuznetsov to find Ovechkin for a shot he roofed past Anderson. Then, the Senators were unable to clear the puck and the same line was able to move the puck quickly to allow Ovechkin to score.

Ottawa regained the lead 1:17 later when Stone tipped in Dion Phaneuf’s shot.

Ovechkin tied it again with 9:12 left in the period.

NOTES: The Senators held a moment of silence before the game for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting and for former Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray, who died in August. Murray started his NHL coaching career with the Capitals. … Ottawa defenseman Johnny Oduya didn’t play in the third period after leaving with a lower-body injury.

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Capitals: Host Montreal on Saturday night.

Senators: Host Detroit on Saturday night.