WASHINGTON – Alexander Semin had two goals and an assist, Alex Ovechkin added a goal and two assists, and the Washington Capitals spoiled the abbreviated return of Philadelphia captain Peter Forsberg by handing the Flyers their sixth straight loss, 4-1 Saturday night.

The six-game skid matches the Flyers’ franchise record. It’s the second time this season they’ve dropped six in a row; each streak includes an overtime defeat.

Forsberg’s return from a four-game absence provided the Flyers with a momentary lift. After finally finding a skate to accommodate his surgically repaired right ankle, the veteran center received an assist on a goal by Mike Knuble that put Philadelphia up 1-0 at 3:31 of the first period.

But the lead vanished by the end of the period, and so did Forsberg. He missed the final 40 minutes with a concussion.

Semin assisted on Dainius Zubrus’ first-period goal, then scored twice in the second period to put Washington ahead 3-1.

Ovechkin, who had a hat trick one night earlier in Atlanta, scored with 16:44 left to make it 4-1. He has 22 goals and 21 assists in 32 games.

Washington has won seven of nine, including two victories over Philadelphia. Olie Kolzig had 21 saves for the Capitals, who are 3-0 against the Flyers this season.

AP-ES-12-16-06 2135EST

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