There are some performers who just have "it."

Athletes like Derek Jeter, Magic Johnson, Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas come through at the right times -- and look good doing it. Alex Ovechkin belongs on that list.

Ovechkin returned after a two-game suspension Monday night to score two goals in the Caps' 3-0 defeat of the Lightning. The Caps are glad to have him back, especially in a busy week where they play four games, and it was fun to watch how he returned.

Ovechkin has had a few rocky moments this season, but it's not surprising to see what he did in his first game back.

Love him or hate him, you will always watch him because Ovechkin makes things happen. He did it again in this game as the Caps passed San Jose to take the NHL points lead.

CAPS 3, LIGHTNING 0: Goalie Semyon Varlamov continued his strong early-season work by making 26 saves in the shutout. Varlamov improved his record to 12-1-2 this season. Coach Bruce Boudreau still won't name either Varlamov or Jose Theodore his top goalie, but the young Russian looks like he's starting to take charge.

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