Panthers 3, Capitals 2, OT

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -Martin Gelinas was in the right place at the right time - twice.

Gelinas scored two goals, including the winner in overtime, leading the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Friday night.

Both goals were redirected shots from in front of the net.

Gregory Campbell also scored and Ed Belfour made 30 saves for the Panthers, who have won five straight.

"The first goal hit my blade, but the second one kind of hit off my skate and went in," Gelinas said. "It was a lucky bounce, but we'll take it. That's why you stand in front of the goalie, so one of your teammates can get a good shot and (you) get a tip in."

Jakub Klepis and Chris Clark scored goals for the Capitals, who have lost four of five. Brent Johnson stopped 32 shots, but Washington lost to Florida in overtime for the first time. The Panthers trail Montreal by four points for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

During a power play in overtime, Stephen Weiss shot from the right circle and the puck hit Gelinas and went in at 2:01 to win it for Florida. The players hesitated because the goal light didn't go off, but the referee signaled goal and the Panthers celebrated.

"Both (Gelinas) goals were the same." Panthers coach Jacques Martin said. "That's one of his assets (getting in front.)"

It was Gelinas' 299th career goal.

"At inopportune times, they seemed to capitalize," Johnson said. "It went off someone's foot in front of the net and went in."

Florida tied it at 2 during a power-play at 9:54 of the second. Olli Jokinen shot from the high slot and the puck hit Gelinas' stick in front of the crease and got past Johnson.

"We were able to bounce back and get two points that we needed," Jokinen said. "There's still life."

Washington nearly scored a goal in the second period. A shot by Matt Bradley from the boards below the left circle hit the base of the net and rolled on its side along the goal line. Belfour swatted the puck out just as it appeared to cross the goal line. It was ruled a no-goal and a video replay upheld the call.

"I wish the call went our way," Capitals coach Glen Hanlon said. "It seemed inconclusive."

The Capitals took a 2-1 lead during a five-on-three power play at 2:18 of the second. Alexander Semin shot from the low slot and the puck bounced off the skate of Clark and trickled across the crease and over the goal line.

Florida tied it at 1 after Campbell's shot from above the left circle bounced off Johnson's glove and into the net at 14:01 of the first.

Washington took a 1-0 lead on Klepis' goal at 6:43. Jiri Novotny passed from the right circle across to Klepis. His wrister from under the left circle got between Belfour and the post and into the corner of the net.

Notes: Semin has at least one point in eight of the last nine games for Washington. ... Belfour started 28 of the last 29 games for Florida. ... Florida has won the last five against the Capitals and 13 of the past 16. ... Washington has lost eight in a row on the road, and 21 of 23.