WASHINGTON (AP) — Sergei Gonchar scored 47 seconds into overtime, Erik Karlsson set up Ottawa’s first goal in his sooner-than-anticipated return from a torn Achilles tendon, and the Senators clinched a playoff berth by beating the Washington Capitals 2-1 Thursday night.
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Craig Anderson made 19 saves. The only shot that got past him was Alex Ovechkin’s NHL-leading 32nd goal, which tied the game 8½ minutes into the third period.
But ex-Capitals defenseman Gonchar put the winner past Michal Neuvirth, who made 39 saves.
Jakob Silfverberg deflected in Karlsson’s shot 12:35 into the second period against the Southeast Division champion Capitals, who had nothing at stake. They already are locked into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The overtime wins by the Senators and New York Rangers eliminated the Winnipeg Jets from the playoff chase.
