Lightning 4, Capitals 3 (OT)
Steven Stamkos knocked in a rebound 2:45 into overtime as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the visiting Washington Capitals 4-3 on Tuesday for their season-high fifth straight victory.
Washington goalie Tomas Vokoun saved Marty St. Louis’ attempt in front, but Stamkos beat everyone to the loose puck for his league-leading 33rd goal.
Mathieu Garon made 26 saves and assisted on Stamkos' goal.
St. Louis had a goal in the second period and an assist to extend his point streak to seven games for the Lightning, who improved to 7-4 in extra time.
Dominic Moore, playing his 500th career game, set up Nate Thompson at 10:59 of the second for a 3-1 Lightning lead after St. Louis had scored at 1:05.
The Capitals crept within 3-2 only 2:08 later when Mathieu Perreault’s pass from behind the goal line went in off Thompson’s stick. Troy Brouwer tied the game 5:53 into third period after a turnover by Tampa Bay defenseman Matt Gilroy in front of his own net.
Matt Hendricks earned his first point in 15 games, knocking home a backhand 16:55 into the game for Washington. The Lightning answered 1:55 later when Steve Downie threaded a nifty pass to Teddy Purcell. It was Purcell’s sixth goal in eight games.
Washington was without Alex Ovechkin, who was serving the second of a three-game suspension.