The Canadian hit the ice running early in the first period. Crosby scored with a backhand shot seven minutes into the opening period to put the Penguins on top 1-0.

Three minutes later with the Penguins on the power-play, Crosby took a pass from Evgeny Malkin, fooled Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore and scored his second of the game to double the Penguins’ lead.

Ovechkin cut the lead in half with his NHL-leading 40th goal of the season on a breakaway midway through the second period, but the Pens responded with another brace, this time through Jordan Staal and Evgeny Malkin, who added two assists for the Penguins.

All Washington managed to achieve in the second period was an individual effort by Eric Fehr, but the rest of the game was a one man show – and that man’s name is Alex Ovechkin.

The Caps’ captain first flicked in a rebound following a shot by Tom Poti to cut the deficit to 4-3, seven minutes into the third period.

He then tied the score with a powerful shot from the edge of the circle after Nicklas Backstrom won a face-off.

And finally he created a game-winning goal in overtime as Mike Knuble poked in the rebound after Ovi’s shot hit the post.

The Capitals have extended their winning streak to 14 games. They now need just three more wins to reach the league’s all-time record set by the Penguins in 1993.

“It’s always great to win… and to score too, especially, in such important matches. It’s even more important as we started the game badly. We have a team of guys with character and we deserved this victory,” Aleksandr Ovechkin told Sport-Express newspaper.

Despite the loss, Evgeny Malkin said he is happy for his compatriot and is awaiting an equivalent performance from him at the Olympics.

“It’s great that he played this way. Great for him! Having such a wonderful shot… I imagine how many problems he causes for the goalies. Now the main thing is that it does not slow down in front of Vancouver. Despite the defeat, I am glad that he plays so well. He’s my friend, my countryman and teammate at the Olympics – is there anything to be unhappy about?” he said.