TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Alexander Semin's 16th goal of the season, with three minutes remaining in regulation Saturday, gave the Washington Capitals a 3-2 victory at Tampa Bay.
The goal gave the Capitals a critical two points in their battle with Atlanta and Carolina for first place in the Southeast Division.
Tampa Bay had scored twice in less than a minute to tie the contest 2-2 before Semin's game-winner.
Semin added an assist on Tomas Fleischmann's eighth goal of the season at 16:12 of the first period.
Olaf Kolzig stopped 39 of 41 shots and overcame a shaky third period for the Capitals, who ended a two-game skid.
Washington's Alex Ovechkin was held pointless, the first time he did not have at least one point in back-to-back games since Nov. 5-6.
Tampa Bay got goals in the third by Vaclav Prospal (27) and Jan Hlavac (9).
Johan Hedberg was beaten three times after 35 shots for the Lightning, who had won four of five.
