WASHINGTON (AP) – John Madden backhanded a rebound under goalie Brent Johnson’s pad with 50 remaining in overtime, and the New Jersey Devils moved into the first place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 victory Sunday over the Washington Capitals.

Martin Brodeur, making his 22nd consecutive start, made 37 saves for the Devils, who have won five straight and seven of eight to move ahead of idle Ottawa in a crowded race for the conference’s top seed.

Jamie Langenbrunner scored on a 5-on-3 power play early in the third period for the Devils. Alexander Semin tied the game about two minutes later for the Capitals, who picked up a point but are struggling to keep pace with first-place Carolina in the Southeast Division.