Capitals 3, Panthers 2 (SO): Nicklas Backstrom scored in the first period and added a goal to end the shootout as Washington defeated visiting Florida for its second win in a row without captain Alex Ovechkin.

Backstrom notched his third goal in two games without Ovechkin (shoulder) and defenseman John Carlson netted his first goal of the season for the Capitals, who were coming off a 7-0 victory at Philadelphia on Friday. Michal Neuvirth stopped 31 saves while filling in for Braden Holtby, who got the day off after absorbing a beating in a goalie fight with Ray Emery of the Flyers.

Jesse Winchester and Tomas Fleischmann scored for the Panthers, who suffered their fifth loss in a row and eighth in nine contests. Scott Clemmensen stopped 21 shots in his first start of the season.

Fleischmann tied it at 2-2 on a 4-on-3 power play with 2:38 remaining in the third period. After both teams struggled to find scoring chances in overtime, Washington converted all three of its shootout attempts after Neuvirth blocked Jonathan Huberdeau’s shot.

The Capitals killed three penalties in the first period and were outshot 11-5 but still led 1-0 on Backstrom’s goal with 3:19 remaining. Winchester tied it for the Panthers on a breakaway 8:20 into the second, but Carlson put Washington back on top just 36 seconds later.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ovechkin participated in the team’s morning skate, but coach Adam Oates opted to rest the reigning Hart Trophy winner for another game. … Panthers C Marcel Goc was given a 10-minute misconduct penalty for his role in instigating a fight in the first period. … Washington defeated Florida for the eighth time in a row.