New Jersey 3, Washington 2

Devils 3, Capitals 2 (OT): Ilya Kovalchuk scored at 4:39 of overtime as host New Jersey recovered from squandering a two-goal third-period lead.

Stephen Gionta and Patrik Elias added goals and Martin Brodeur made 26 saves as the Devils improved to 3-0-0 for the first time since the 2002-03 season - the last time they won the Stanley Cup.

Mike Ribeiro and defenseman Mike Green each scored their first goals of the season in the final 7:15 of regulation for Washington (0-3-1), which became the last NHL team to earn a point after dropping its first three games.

The Capitals wasted a strong performance by Michal Neuvirth, who stopped 32 shots and had seven saves in the extra session but couldn't stop Kovalchuk's shot that sailed under the crossbar.

Gionta scored the lone goal of the opening period and Elias doubled the lead on a 5-on-3 power play with only one minute to play in the second. Elias pounced on a rebound of defenseman Marek Zidlicky's shot from the right point and fired it home for a 2-0 advantage.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Devils C Adam Henrique, who is recovering from thumb surgery, participated in Friday's morning skate and could be back by the end of the month. ... Washington has been outscored 17-8 and has allowed at least one power-play tally in each of its first games. ... Elias also had an assist to give him 52 points in his career against the Capitals, the most by an Devil against Washington.

• New Jersey will play their next game on the road against New Jersey . The Devils have a W/L % of 1.000 after a win and .000 after a loss.
• Washington will play their next game at home against Buffalo . The Capitals have a W/L % of .000 after a win and .000 after a loss.