When Capitals defenseman Mike Green shoots the puck in overtime his teammates might as well start celebrating.
Green has made a habit of notching game-winning goals this season. Sunday afternoon against the New York Rangers he did it again. A powerful shot from the point just 23 seconds into overtime lifted the Caps to a 3-2 win at Verizon Center.
“I was thinking shoot,” said Green, who has three overtime goals this season, including one in a 5-4 victory over the Rangers on Dec. 12. “Their guy was screening [Rangers goalie Steve Valiquette] so I knew if I got a shot off, there was a good chance it was getting past him.”
Green’s tally also lifted Washington (27-25-5, 59 points) back into first place in the Southeast Division and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. It was one of two power-play goals for the Caps, who entered the game on an 0-for-18 power-play skid. Forward Alex Ovechkin had the other in the first period, his NHL-leading 47th. Ovechkin also finished with two assists.
“Our goal is ultimately to be the best team in [the Eastern Conference],” said Caps goalie Olie Kolzig, who finished with 31 saves, including a sparkling third-period stop on Rangers forward Sean Avery at the doorstep. “We don’t want to just hang our hat on winning the division.”
