But, the Capitals committed consecutive penalties late in the second, carrying over to the final frame.

With the Devils on the two-man advantage, captain Jamie Langenbrunner blasted a slapshot from the point that snuck under Johnson’s blocker side, putting New Jersey on the board at 1-0. Paul Martin and Patrik Elias assisted on the Langenbrunner’s 11th, merely 39 seconds into the third.

But, the Capitals, who peppered Brodeur with 38 shots on goal, netted the equalizer 2:07 later. The other Alexander (Semin) stick handled by the Devils skaters, faking out Brodeur with a beautiful backhander. Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom added helpers on Semin’s 19th at 2:46.

Backstrom, a rookie, had his 50th assist of the season on Semin’s even strength effort.

Both teams had numerous chances throughout the contest, but Johnson, who spelled Olaf Kolzig in net, and Brodeur, making his 22nd consecutive start, were on top of their games.

Brodeur extended his NHL-leading wins to 35, stopping 37 shots in the process. In regulation and overtime, Brodeur played remarkably, even poke checking the puck away from the Capitals on a key sequence.

Although his scoring streak halted at five games, Zach Parise nearly deposited his 26th goal several times during the contest. He credited the Devils veteran netminder for not only reaching the extra frame, but also keeping the score tied.

"Marty was phenomenal," Parise said. "He's the reason we got to overtime. He kept us in the game."

Head coach Brent Sutter relayed over a similar message about his 14-year veteran goaltender. "Marty gave us a great opportunity to get our game in order," Sutter said.

Sutter was not very pleased with the Devils, who allowed 28 shots on net throughout the first 40 minutes. "We weren't sharp mentally," Sutter said. "We did a lot of puck watching in the first two periods.

But, his team held Ovechkin without a goal for a season-high fifth straight game. Sutter had kind words for the Russian phenom after the game.

"He's obviously a top level player," Sutter said. "He's such a competitor.

While Ovechkin struggled to score again, Madden continued his recent success. After producing his third shorthanded goal of the season last game and 16th lifetime, Madden notched his third game winner of the season this past afternoon.

He has 18 tallies thus far and is on pace to eclipse his single season record of 23 set in 2000-01.

With his 11th point in February, Madden surpassed his previous season high of 10 set in October.

 Oh yeah, Madden also has a +10 this month with two games remaining.

Madden and linemate Jay Pandolfo also stopped Ovechkin and the Capitals power play in three chances.

The Devils have now killed off 29-31 penalties. They also converted on the man advantage for the fifth time in six games, manufacturing Langenbrunner’s goal on the 5-on-3.

In overtime, Madden twirled around the net, finding Elias atop the circle. Elias’ shot rang off the post right to Madden, who easily backhanded the puck under Johnson’s pads.

The Devils improved to 37-21-5, remaining two points ahead of Pittsburgh, who lost in the shootout today. They visit Carolina on Tuesday, where they’ve already won 4-1 on Jan. 10, before hosting the Capitals on Friday night at the Prudential Center.

After Friday’s rematch, the Devils play six of their next seven games away from the Rock.

The Capitals have now lost five of their last six games, including three in overtime.  They host Minnesota on Tuesday before traveling to New Jersey on Friday.

Washington remains 5 points out of a playoff spot with about a month and a half left on the season. In my opinion, the Capitals need to trade for draft picks and move any overpriced expensive skaters on their roster.

The Devils lead the season series 2-1 with one more meeting this upcoming week.

Notes:

Vitaly Vishnevski, Karel Rachunek and Cam Janssen remained out of the lineup for New Jersey as healthy scratches.

David Steckel (flu) and Jeff Schultz (strained knee) did not play for the Capitals.

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