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Ovechkin lifts Caps past Islanders in OT

Feb 29, 2012 - 4:01 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Alex Ovechkin netted the winner in overtime as the Washington Capitals rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period to take a 3-2 decision over the New York Islanders at Verizon Center.

Troy Brouwer scored twice for the Capitals, who earned their third straight victory behind 22 saves from Michal Neuvirth.

Josh Bailey and Matt Moulson lit the lamp for New York, which lost for the fourth time in five games.

Evgeni Nabokov stopped 31-of-34 shots in defeat.

After a scoreless second period, New York took a 2-0 lead 2:16 into the third period when Moulson redirected a Steve Staios shot from the right point into the top-right corner. The play was reviewed to see if the puck was played with a high stick, but the goal was upheld.

The Capitals started their comeback with 3:29 left in regulation when Mathieu Perreault's cross-ice pass from the left corner was tipped in by Brouwer from the right of the net.

Then, with the goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Washington won an offensive zone faceoff and Brouwer snapped a shot from the top of the right circle that went through a crowd and into the short side with 25.5 seconds showing on the clock to force overtime.

"It's unacceptable to give up a two-goal lead that late," said Bailey. "I think breakdowns are a part of this game, but you certainly don't expect the outcome to be like that."

The Capitals' scoring spree continued with Ovechkin's game-winner in the extra period when he grabbed a loose puck inside the defensive zone and raced down the left side of the ice.

When he reached the top of the face-off circle, Ovechkin snapped a shot while using his defender as a screen that sailed through the legs of Nabokov at the 1:35 mark.

"We needed one goal and I was proud to get it," Ovechkin said. "I got a lucky goal. I think I got a screen and I tried to get a shot through."

The Islanders recorded the lone goal of the first period despite being outshot, 13-3, in the opening frame.

Bailey faked a slap shot from the top of the right circle before moving into the slot and lifting a backhander that beat Neuvirth to the glove side. The shot bounced off the right post, but Bailey collected his own rebound and stuffed it into the net at the 4:14 mark.

Game Notes

Moulson's goal gave him 54 points on the year, setting a new career-high in points...Islanders center Frans Nielsen played in his 300th career game and recorded an assist...Washington improved to 21-8-2 at home this season, while the Islanders fell to 12-14-4 on the road.