Alexander Semin scored early in overtime to lift the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins in a clash of the top teams in the NHL's Eastern Conference. Semin scored just 22 seconds into overtime, with a slap shot from just inside the red line, as the Capitals moved within eight points of the first-placed Bruins. Boston lost at home for just the fourth time in its past 27 games. Canadiens 3, Sharks 2: In Montreal, the hosts scored three times in the opening period and then held off Western Conference leaders San Jose. Andrei Markov and Saku Koivu each had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, who found the net three times in less than seven minutes. The Sharks scored twice in 49 seconds in the second period, but could not find another goal. Predators 8, Red Wings 0: In Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville scored five first-period goals for the first time in franchise history and went on to crush defending champions Detroit. Detroit goalie Ty Conklin was taken off after conceding four goals inside the opening ten minutes, as Detroit let in most goals this season. Devils 7, Panthers 2: In Newark, New Jersey, Zach Parise had two goals and an assist as New Jersey routed Florida. The Devils made life easy for goalie Martin Brodeur in his second game back from elbow surgery. Brodeur needed to make only 15 saves for his 546th career victory - five short of tying Patrick Roy's NHL record. Parise has 38 goals this season for New Jersey, which extended it Atlantic Division lead to seven points. Elsewhere it was: Ducks 4, Stars 3; Oilers 3, Wild 2; Rangers 6, Avalanche 1; Blues 3, Coyotes 1; Thrashers 5, Hurricanes 3; Maple Leafs 4, Senators 3, OT; Islanders 2, Sabres 0.
