Washington defeats Boston, 3-2, in overtime

WASHINGTON — Brooks Laich’s power-play goal 44 seconds into overtime gave the Washington Capitals a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Monday night.

The Bruins gained a point and moved into seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 85 points. Montreal is sixth with 86 points and Philadelphia is in eighth place with 84 points.

Laich’s goal came 20 seconds after Boston’s Dennis Wideman was called for high-sticking, and the Capitals had the four-on-three advantage.

Laich beat Boston goalie Tuukka Rask, who finished with 27 saves. It was Laich’s 25th goal of the season. Alex Ovechkin finished with two assists.

The Capitals played their first game as winners of the Presidents’ Trophy for most points in the league. They clinched home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs on Sunday night when San Jose lost in overtime to Colorado.