NHL: Washington 5, Carolina 4 (SO)

WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- Alexander Ovechkin scored the game-winner in the third round of a shootout Saturday night, giving the Washington Capitals a 5-4 win over Carolina.

Ovechkin's heroics allowed Washington to escape after blowing leads of 3-1 and 4-2 in regulation. Ovechkin scored his 49th goal this season (power play) at 18:01 of the first period.

Alexander Semin, who also scored in the shootout, recorded a goal (power play) and three assists in regulation. Ovechkin, Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom (power play) all had a goal and an assist, while Jose Theodore made 28 saves on 32 shots for the Capitals, who have won three in a row.

Eric Staal led Carolina with a goal and two assists. Ray Whitney and Erik Cole both had a goal and an assist.

Niclas Wallin also scored once, and goalie Cam Ward gave up four goals on 31 shots for the Hurricanes, who have lost three in a row.