Senators 2, Capitals 1 (OT): Defenseman Sergei Gonchar scored during a power play 47 seconds into overtime as visiting Ottawa clinched a playoff berth for the third time in four seasons.

Rookie Jakob Silfverberg scored his 10th goal, defenseman Erik Karlsson returned from an Achilles injury to notch two assists and Craig Anderson made 19 saves for the Senators, who swept their three-game season series with the Capitals and pulled even in points with both the New York Rangers and Islanders. Ottawa resides in sixth place in the Eastern Conference as it has a game in hand on both clubs.

With Washington's Mike Ribeiro serving a roughing penalty, Gonchar fired a slap shot from the top of the right faceoff circle that eluded a screened Michael Neuvirth. Ottawa finished 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Captain Alex Ovechkin tied the game in the third period with his league-leading 32nd goal for the Capitals, who saw their six-game home winning streak come to an end. Neuvirth stopped 39 shots in his first start in seven games.

Karlsson, who missed 10 weeks with a lacerated Achilles tendon, helped give Ottawa a 1-0 lead. After a scoreless first period, Silfverberg tipped the reigning Norris Trophy winner's point shot past Neuvirth at 12:35 of the second.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Already up 1-0, Ottawa appeared to extend its advantage during 4-on-4 play at 13:29 of the third period, but officials ruled there was incidental contact with Neuvirth on the play. ... Ovechkin knotted the contest on Washington’s first shot of the third - 8:31 into the period - when he drove wide around Senators D Chris Phillips and slid a backhand shot past Anderson while cutting across the top of the crease. ... The Capitals fell to 10-1-1 in April.