Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson goes over the boards next to Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, sitting at right, during the first period Tuesday in Washington. (AP photo)

WASHINGTON — Dylan Strome has never had the chance to play playoff hockey in the NHL in front of sold-out crowds. Sure, once in the 2020 bubble when the stands were empty, but he doesn’t really count that.

On Tuesday night in the closest he has ever felt to the real thing, Strome played as though he’s ready for his drought to end. He scored twice, including the overtime winner, to give the Washington Capitals a massive 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in a pivotal matchup that could ultimately prove crucial in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Behind 30 saves from Charlie Lindgren in another brilliant start, the Capitals moved two points ahead of Detroit and still have an extra game left. They’re also right on the heels of Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division after the Flyers lost in overtime at the New York Rangers.

Washington has won three in a row and five of six to improve its postseason position to the best it has been in recent weeks. There are 10 games left for the Caps to play this regular season as they attempt to get back in after failing to qualify last year.

Strome and his teammates came to play in arguably the franchise’s most meaningful game since 2022, with Lindgren making plenty of big stops and offense coming from all over the lineup. Fourth-liner Nic Dowd and Connor McMichael also scored, and they were eager to thank Lindgren for keeping them in it when the Red Wings were pressing.

Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jesper Fast, left, and Red Wings left wing Adam Erne battle in the second period on Jan. 14, 2021, in Detroit. (AP file photo)

Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat ended a 12-game goal drought, David Perron scored on the power play late in the second and Patrick Kane tied it with 5:20 left in the third.

“It’s kind of what Kane does, right?” said Strome, who played with Kane and DeBrincat in Chicago. “He scores those big goals.”

Kane’s goal to get the game to overtime allowed the Red Wings to salvage a very important point, with the New York Islanders also chasing them.

“Maybe gripping our sticks a little too tight thinking about the moment too much,” captain Dylan Larkin said. “You see a guy like Kaner come back for us and score, a guy that’s been through it and played in big hockey games, it’s huge to see.”

Detroit losing a second in a row and for the 10th time in 13 games could ultimately harm its chances of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Nine games remain for coach Derek Lalonde’s team to get back into a spot ahead of Philadelphia or Washington, with one more game against the Capitals left on the schedule back home April 9.

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UP NEXT

Red Wings: Continue their road trip tonight at the Carolina Hurricanes.

Capitals: Visit the Toronto Maple Leafs to

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl