Marian Gaborik scored at 14:41 of the third overtime, and the New York Rangers outlasted the Washington Capitals in a 2-1 victory early Thursday morning to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

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Brad Richards was near the backboards before sending a pass in front to Gaborik, who ended the marathon by sliding the puck between the pads of rookie goaltender Braden Holtby.

It was Gaborik's first goal since New York's first playoff game against Ottawa, snapping an eight-game drought.

Henrik Lundqvist had 45 saves for New York. Holtby stopped 47 shots for the Capitals.

Early in the third overtime, Washington killed a New York power play to keep the suspense going.

The game started at 7:40 p.m. and stretched into the next day, ending at 12:14 a.m. Thursday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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