Kuznetsov's overtime winner lifts Caps over Rangers, 6-5

Evgeny Kuznetsov scored at 4:20 of overtime, just beating teammate Alex Ovechkin's stick to the puck, and the Washington Capitals defeated the New York Rangers 6-5 on Sunday in their return from their longest road trip this season.

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist tried to block Kuznetsov's pass back to Ovechkin in front of the net.

But the puck trickled away from Lundqvist and right in front of the net, Ovechkin first attempted to knock it in before Kuznetsov guided it across the goal line.

Washington Capitals right wing Brett Connolly (10), center, falls into the New York Rangers bench with the help of Rangers left wing Connor Brickley, front right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)

Nicklas Backstrom scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season and the second-place Capitals moved within two points of the Metropolitan Division-leading New York Islanders. However the Capitals have played two more games.

Tom Wilson added his 17th goal, and Nic Dowd and Michal Kempny also scored for Washington. Pheonix Copley made 26 saves as the Capitals won a day after losing in Buffalo to finish their six-game trip at 3-3-0.

Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei scored multiple goals for the first time in his career, his second tying the game with 31 seconds remaining in regulation.

Washington Capitals left wing Carl Hagelin (62), of Sweden, skates with the puck against New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)

Chris Kreider added his 26th, Jimmy Vesey contributed his 15th, and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored for New York.

Lundqvist stopped 29 shots for New York, which is in rebuilding mode approaching the trade deadline on Monday.

The Rangers dealt forward Mats Zuccarello to Dallas on Saturday for a pair of draft picks. The Rangers sat forward Kevin Hayes and defenseman Adam McQuaid for a second straight game Sunday.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19), of Sweden, celebrates his goal with defenseman John Carlson, right, during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)

Backstrom hadn't scored in 12 games entering Sunday, but he gave Washington a 5-3 lead when he beat Lundqvist over his glove from in close early in the third for his second of the game.

Namestnikov redirected Neal Pionk's effort past Copley on a Rangers power play a few minutes later.

While the Capitals killed off another New York man advantage inside the final four minutes, Skjei's deflected shot forced overtime after the Rangers emptied their net.

Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny (6), of the Czech Republic, celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Washington. (AP PhotoNick Wass)

NOTES: Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen and Rangers forward Ryan Strome received fighting majors at 6:23 of the third, after Strome reacted to Niskanen's check into the boards. ... Newly acquired D Nick Jensen made his Capitals debut in a third defensive pairing alongside Brooks Orpik. ... Backup goalie Copley picked up his fourth straight victory.

UP NEXT

Rangers: Host Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Capitals: Host Ottawa on Tuesday.

More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Graham Ike had 34 points and 11 rebounds to power No. 8 Gonzaga to an 89-77 victory over Santa Clara on Thursday night.

Ike made 13 of 17 field goal attempts and went 7 for 8 on free throws as the Bulldogs (17-1, 5-0 West Coast Conference) shook off a sluggish first half and won their 10th straight game since getting blown out by No. 2 Michigan in late November.

Emmanuel Innocenti added 13 points and Braden Huff scored 12 for the Zags, who shot 58% from the floor to 43% for Santa Clara. Ike finished one point short of his career high.

Allen Graves led the Broncos (13-5, 4-1) with 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Santa Clara upset Gonzaga in Spokane last year, but the Zags have a 73-32 lead in the series.

Santa Clara came in leading the WCC in scoring during league play at 93.5 points per game.

Ike scored 13 points as Gonzaga jumped out to a 17-9 lead, but Santa Clara closed the gap to 23-21 on Bukky Oboye's steal and layup.

Brenton Knapper's basket gave Santa Clara a 30-29 edge late in the first half, and the Broncos completed an 11-0 run for a 37-29 lead. But the Bulldogs scored the next eight points, and Ike's free throw tied it 37-all at halftime.

Santa Clara led 45-44 before Ike scored Gonzaga's next 12 points to lift the Zags to a 56-51 lead. Gonzaga then scored 17 straight points to help build a 76-55 advantage with nine minutes left.

Santa Clara hosts Loyola Marymount on Saturday.

Gonzaga plays at Washington State next Thursday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Santa Clara forward Allen Graves (22) grabs a rebound next to Gonzaga guard Braeden Smith (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)