Alexander Semin scored at 18:24 of overtime, lifting the top-seeded Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Wednesday.

Captain Alex Ovechkin also tallied and Michal Neuvirth made 24 saves for the Capitals, who host Game 2 on Friday.

Defenseman Matt Gilroy scored and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 31 shots for New York, which was outshot 10-6 in overtime.

With time winding down in the first extra session, Jason Arnott blocked Rangers defenseman Marc Staal's clearing attempt at the right point. Arnott then gained possession and dished the puck to Semin, who one-timed it past Lundqvist from the top of the slot for his ninth career playoff goal.

After two scoreless periods, Gilroy got New York on the board at 1:56 of the third, beating Neuvirth with a snap shot. Washington drew even with 6:16 remaining as Ovechkin banged the puck past Lundqvist near the left post for his 21st career postseason tally.