New Jersey 3, Washington 2

Devils 3, Capitals 2: Ilya Kovalchuk scored a power-play goal with just under 8 1/2 minutes to play as visiting New Jersey extended its domination of Washington.

Andrei Loktionov scored his first goal for the Devils just 2:21 prior to Kovalchuk's game-winner and Patrik Elias had a short-handed tally and an assist as New Jersey beat the Capitals for the fifth straight time.

Martin Brodeur made only 17 saves, including three in the third period, as the Devils avoided a third consecutive loss with their second one-goal victory over Washington this season.

Mathieu Perreault and Mike Ribeiro sandwiched power-play goals around Elias' score in a span of just over three minutes midway through the second period to give the Capitals a 2-1 edge entering the final 20 minutes.

Washington unraveled in the third, committing seven penalties and giving New Jersey a pair of 5-on-3 chances. After Loktionov chipped home the tying goal at 9:19, Kovalchuk blasted a slap shot past Braden Holtby (34 saves) during a 5-on-3 with 8:20 to play for his second game-winner in as many meetings with the Capitals.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Elias netted the 14th short-handed goal of his career, three shy of the franchise record held by John Madden. ... RW Troy Brouwer assisted on both goals by Washington, which has scored on 10 of 23 power-play attempts over the last eight games. ... Kovalchuk was on the ice for nearly 29 minutes, including 10 of the first 13 in the final period, and finished with seven shots.

• Washington will play their next game at home against New Jersey . The Capitals have a W/L % of .400 after a win and .300 after a loss.
• New Jersey will play their next game on the road against Washington . The Devils have a W/L % of .667 after a win and .429 after a loss.