WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Alex Ovechkin fired in his NHL-best 39th goal of the season 2:37 into overtime Sunday, lifting the Washington Capitals over Detroit 6-5.
The Capitals went on a power play in the extra time when Brendan Smith was whistled for tripping Troy Brouwer, and Ovechkin made the Red Wings pay by one-timing a pass from John Carlson past Jimmy Howard for the game-winner.
Joel Ward provided two goals with an assist and Jason Chimera helped out with a goal and two assists for the Caps, who broke a two-game losing streak.
Carlson notched a goal and an assist and Brouwer also scored for Washington.
Michal Neuvirth stopped 25-of-30 shots to earn the victory.
Gustav Nyqvist logged his first career hat trick and added an assist for the Red Wings, who dropped a third in four games.
Tomas Tatar supplied a goal and an assist, Justin Abdelkader also scored and Henrik Zetterberg notched three assists for Detroit.
Howard finished with 22 saves.
