WASHINGTON, March 3 (UPI) -- Newly arrived Jason Arnott scored the game-winning goal with 5:19 to go in the third period Thursday, lifting Washington to a 3-2 decision over St. Louis.
The Capitals won their third straight and moved within a point of Tampa Bay for the lead in the Southeast Division.
Arnott was obtained Monday in a trade with New Jersey. This was his second game and first goal for the Capitals, who had not led until Arnott snapped a shot past Ty Conklin.
Alexander Steen and B.J. Crombeen had twice given St. Louis the lead but Scott Hannan and Nicklas Backstrom produced tying goals for the Capitals.
Hannan, a 12-year veteran defenseman who is in his first season with Washington, scored his first goal of the season. He has had no more than two goals in any of the last four seasons.
Michal Neuvirth picked up the win by making 25 saves.
Conklin stopped 27-of-30 shots in the sixth St. Louis loss in seven games.
