NHL: New Jersey 3, Washington 2 (OT)

• Tweet

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Ilya Kovalchuk scored with 21 seconds left in the overtime period Friday to give New Jersey a 3-2 triumph over Washington.

The Capitals had been the only NHL team without a point prior to Friday, but they managed one in the overtime loss after overcoming a 2-0 lead deficit in the third period.

New Jersey remained unbeaten in its three games.

The Devils appeared headed for a victory in regulation thanks to goals by Stephen Gionta with 6:05 left in the first period and Patrik Elias on the power play with a minute to go in the second.

Washington rallied in the third on scores from Mike Ribeiro and Mike Green, who tied the contest with 2:56 to go.

Martin Brodeur, embarking on the 20th year of his record-setting career, ran his all-time regular-season win total to 659 by making 25 saves. Michal Neuvirth took the loss while stopping 30 shots.