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Caps offense awakens just in time for OT win over Isles

Mar 2, 2011 - 4:13 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Alex Ovechkin scored 1:55 into overtime, and the Washington Capitals rallied to beat the New York Islanders, 2-1, in the back end of a home-and-home series at Verizon Center.

The Capitals, who overcame a two-goal deficit in Saturday's 3-2 win on Long Island, appeared to be on the verge of getting shut out for the 10th time this season until Brooks Laich converted a feed from newcomer Jason Arnott with 47.1 seconds remaining in the third period.

Washington acquired Arnott from New Jersey prior to Monday's trade deadline, sending David Steckel and a second-round draft pick in 2012 to the Devils.

Then, in the extra session, Ovechkin raced down the right wing and shrugged off Islanders forward Frans Nielsen before flicking a backhander past Nathan Lawson.

Washington's Michal Neuvirth made 15 of his 28 saves in the third period. The 22-year-old Czech notched his 20th win, tying Bob Mason for the franchise's single-season rookie record. Mason set the mark during the 1986-87 campaign.

"I thought [Neuvirth] was outstanding to keep us in the game, to give us the ability to win," said Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau.

The Capitals had been outscored 12-1 during a three-game losing streak at home.

Lawson, who nearly recorded his first career shutout, turned away 40 shots in defeat.

"[The loss] is obviously tough, but we have a young team and they battled extremely hard," said New York head coach Jack Capuano.

The Islanders came out strong Saturday, recording the game's first 11 shots en route to a 14-5 advantage through the opening 20 minutes.

Washington played a much better first period Tuesday, firing 11 shots on goal against seven for New York. However, the game remained scoreless.

The Capitals continued to pepper Lawson, outshooting the Isles 17-6 in the second period, but Washington trailed 1-0 on Matt Moulson's team-leading 28th goal of the season.

Off a turnover in the neutral zone, Moulson one-timed P.A. Parenteau's pass behind Neuvirth midway through the frame.

Game Notes

Ovechkin collected his 300th career assist...Washington swept the four- game season series, with every contest decided by one goal. The Capitals have won six straight against the Islanders and improved to 11-0-3 in the last 14 meetings overall...New York forward Justin DiBenedetto made his NHL debut after being called up from Bridgeport of the AHL on Monday.