Capitals 3, Lightning 2 (OT)
CAPITALS 3, LIGHTNING 2 (OT): Alex Ovechkin scored 4:09 into overtime as Washington came from behind to defeat visiting Tampa Bay and end a three-game losing streak.
Ovechkin took a pass from Dmitry Orlov and knocked home the winner from the right circle to spoil Tampa Bay goalie Dustin Tokarski’s first NHL start.
Marcus Johansson tied the game 2-2 for Washington, going in alone after a Lightning turnover with 3:58 left in regulation.
Teddy Purcell extended his point streak to 11 games with a goal and an assist for the Lightning, who scored two power-play goals in the second period to take 2-1 lead.
Tokarski, who had only played 44 minutes in relief before Thursday, made 29 saves.
Steven Stamkos’ pass was redirected in off Ryan Malone’s skate at 7:25 to tie the game 1-1. With the assist, Stamkos took over the league lead in points with 82.
Purcell gave Tampa Bay the lead when his shot from the left circle was saved by Capitals’ goalie Tomas Vokoun, but the puck went in off Washington defenseman John Carlson’s skate.
Vokoun turned aside all 15 shots he faced in the first period to help the Capitals take a 1-0 lead. Defenseman Karl Alzner’s off-target shot from the left point deflected off Keith Aucoin’s stick and behind Tokarski at 17:08.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Lightning are 8 for 21 on the power play the last five road games. … Tokarski has won eight straight games for Norfolk of the American Hockey League. … Alzner and Matt Hendricks of Washington and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman all played their 200th NHL games.