Capitals Keep Chase Of East's 8th Spot With 3-2 Shootout Win Against 'Canes

Raleigh, NC (AHN) - Viktor Kozlov delivered the game-winning goal in the shootout to lift Washington over division rival Carolina 3-2 and help shore up the Capitals' post season hopes at the RBC Center on Tuesday night.

Kozlov scored the lone conversion in the shootout frame, barreling through goalie Cam Ward, who earlier blocked attempts from Alexander Semin and Alexander Ovechkin. The Hurricanes failed to draw goals from Jeff Hamilton, Sergei Samsonov and Eric Staal, with the latter's shot caroming off the goal post.

It was the second straight win and fourth in the last five for the Capitals, who moved to within four points of the Hurricanes' Southeast Division lead. More importantly, they remained in the hunt for the last place in the Eastern Conference, as Washington kept it a two-point deficit with Boston, which won over Toronto also on Tuesday.

Hamilton had the Hurricanes in a 1-0 lead with a power play shot but Washington went ahead on back-to-back goals from Semin and Ovechkin early in the second. Erik Cole then tied on another power play shot, 16:27 in the second.

Nicklas Backstrom finished with two assists and Cristobal Huet had 25 saves for Washington, which could gain ground in the playoff race with two road contests at Tampa Bay and Florida starting Thursday.

The Hurricanes, who lost for just the third time in the last 14, can fend off the Capitals for the division crown with victories against also-ran teams Atlanta and Tampa Bay beginning Friday.