NHL: Washington 4, Boston 3 (OT)

BOSTON, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Alexander Semin's goal just 22 seconds into overtime Saturday lifted the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins.

With Washington leading 3-2, Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara's 15th goal this season (power play) tied it 3-3 at the 15:23 mark of the third period. Then in the extra session, Semin's 24th goal came after assists by Mike Green and Jeff Schultz. His slap shot from inside the red line dribbled through the pads of Boston netminder Tim Thomas.

Nicklas Backstrom (power play), Alexander Ovechkin and Tomas Fleischmann (power play) also scored. Goalie Jose Theodore was credited with 34 saves on 37 shots for the Capitals, who moved within eight points of Boston (93-85) in the Eastern Conference.

It was Ovechkin's league-leading 45th goal this season.

Boston's other goals were scored by Matt Hunwick and Phil Kessel.

Chara's goal was the 100th of his NHL career.

Thomas was beaten four times on 32 shots for the Bruins, who have split their last six games.