PHI-WIN-WSH

WASHINGTON --Travis Konecny scored 27 seconds into overtime to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 2-1 win against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
Konecny's shot deflected off Washington forward T.J. Oshie and past goalie Braden Holtby. Ivan Provorov and Sean Couturier got the assists.

Michael Raffl scored, and Brian Elliott made 27 for the Flyers (23-16-8), who have won seven of their past eight games, including three straight.
WATCH: [All Flyers vs. Capitals highlights]
"It's huge," Konecny said. "Coming in here and getting a win, it definitely says something about our character. There's just that vibe in the locker room right now. We really want that playoff opportunity and we're pushing for it."
Alex Ovechkin scored his League-leading 29th goal, and Holtby made 21 saves for the Capitals (28-15-5), who have lost three straight.

The Flyers have 54 points, one more than the New York Rangers for the first wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. It is the first time they've been in a playoff position since Nov. 10.
Since a 10-game losing streak (0-5-5), the Flyers are 15-5-1.
"We keep going this same track, we'll keep plugging away at teams above us," Elliott said. "We can be our best and worst enemy, I guess. We have to keep looking forward, not look at teams chasing us."
Raffl gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead at 6:12 of the second period. He beat Holtby blocker side from the left face-off circle for his ninth goal of the season.

Ovechkin's power-play goal with 16 seconds left in the second tied the game 1-1. He scored on a one-timer from the top of the left circle after a pass from John Carlson.
"A little bit of a playoff feel out there," Oshie said. "Obviously, we have history with these guys from a couple of years ago in the playoffs (2016). It had that same feel. I think that's important for us, to get used to that. It's never too early to start playing playoff hockey."
The Flyers killed a tripping penalty on Raffl at 14:40 of the third to keep the game tied.
Elliott made several key saves, including one on Ovechkin at 10:57 of the first period and a follow-up chance by Evgeny Kuznetsov. Elliott's pad save on Nicklas Backstrom at 18:58 of the second period kept Philadelphia in front 1-0.
"[Elliott] was sure sharp tonight," Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said. "As much as it is rest, sometimes it's just a day or two of maintenance work. When you play as much hockey as he's played for us, you don't get those quality practice days. You forget the value of one or two days of good simple work."
Konecny, 20, and in his second NHL season, scored for the second game in a row and has four goals and six assists in his past 11 games. He moved to the top line with Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier on Dec. 23 after he had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in his first 35 games this season.
"We're talking a lot on the bench," Konecny said. "[Couturier is] teaching me a lot. [Giroux is] teaching me a lot. Like when to take off and the proper moments to not cheat, but take advantage of space. And also when I make little mistakes, they make me realize what I'm doing and capitalize on it."

Goal of the game

Konecny's goal 27 seconds into overtime.

Save of the game

Elliott's save on Backstrom at 18:58 of the second period.

Highlight of the game

Ovechkin's goal at 19:44 of the second period.

They said it

"We want to be in that position until the end. Still a lot of hockey left. At the same time, we've got to be ready for Tuesday [against the Detroit Red Wings] now. A big two points up for grabs. What we did these last few games, it won't matter if we lose." -- Flyers forward Sean Couturier
"I'm not too disappointed. I'm disappointed in the final outcome, but I'm not disappointed in the game. There's a lot to like in our game." -- Capitals coach Barry Trotz

Need to know

Konecny had a team-high four shots on goal and scored his first career overtime goal. ... Carlson's assist was his 31st, which ranks second among NHL defensemen (John Klingberg, Dallas Stars, 40). Carlson matched his point total from last season (nine goals, 28 assists).

What's next

Flyers:At the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, NBCSP, NHL.TV)
Capitals: At the Florida Panthers on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET; FS-F, NBCSWA, NHL.TV)