WASHINGTON -- Even after Alex Ovechkin bailed the Washington Capitals out of trouble to win their fourth game in a row, all he wanted to talk about was how it almost slipped away.The Capitals blew a three-goal lead in the third period Thursday night before beating the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in overtime. Ovechkin had two goals, including the game-winner, and assisted on Nicklas Backstroms first of the season, but the blown lead was the biggest takeaway for a team that should again be a Stanley Cup contender.We just cant stop playing, said Ovechkin, tied for second in the NHL with six goals. I think we stopped playing. We (were) too casual, and it almost cost us the game.Goals by Backstrom, Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie, and an 18-5 second-period shot advantage had Washington on cruise control. Braden Holtby made 11 of his 24 saves in the first period, and his opportunistic teammates took advantage of turnovers in front and rebounds allowed by Winnipeg starter Michael Hutchinson, who made 28 stops.Then the third period began. Holtby misjudged a poke-check attempt that allowed Tobias Enstrom to score short-handed into an empty net, and defensive miscues led to goals by Adam Lowry and Marko Dano.Washington blew a 2-0 third-period lead at Winnipeg on Tuesday but won in regulation when Jay Beagle scored in the final minute. Ovechkins power-play goal 3:21 into overtime Thursday allowed the Capitals to be satisfied with another victory, but the lapse before that kept them from being too happy about it.I thought they were actually outworking us there in the third period, Backstrom said. A little sloppy from our side, but at the same time were really lucky we got away with two points there.The Jets overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period to force overtime for the third time in 11 games this season. Its a major improvement for a young team that struggled in those situations last year.We havent quit once this year, captain Blake Wheeler said. Everyone had a hand in that in the third period. You can be proud of doing those things.Coach Paul Maurice was displeased with the too many men on the ice penalty called against his team in overtime, which led to Ovechkins goal.I cant blame the referees on it because the linesman called it, which was important that he involved himself in the game at that point, Maurice said. I dont think it was too many men on the ice. I dont even think it was that close.The game was too close for comfort for the Capitals, who bent but didnt shatter after allowing three goals in a 9-minute span. Had Jets rookie Kyle Connor scored instead of clanking his shot off the post with 1:26 left in regulation, it would have been a different story.Refusing to blame the timing of coming off a four-game Western Canadian road trip for the inconsistent play from period to period, Washington players owned up to not matching the Jets pushback in the third.But coughing up a three-goal lead late in a game in early November beats doing the same in April or May.Its early, Oshie said. We didnt play the way we wanted to, but glad we found a way to get a win. Well take this as a learning experience and move on and hopefully we can be better from it.Game notes Jets forwards Mathieu Perreault and Joel Armia left with injuries in the third period. Maurice said hed know more about their status Thursday, and the team would have to decide on potential call-ups. ... The Capitals scored first for the ninth time in 10 games this season. ... Jets forward Chris Thorburn missed the game for the birth of a child.UP NEXTJets: Travel to face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night in the second stop of a three-game road trip.Capitals: Host the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. Reggie Sanders Jersey . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. Custom Cincinnati Reds Jerseys . Artturi Lehkonen, Joni Nikko and Ville Leskinen had the other goals for Finland (1-0) while Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots. Tim Robin Johnsgard had the lone goal for Norway (0-2). http://www.redsgearshop.com/Reds-Tucker-Barnhart-Kids-Jersey/ . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. Johnny Bench Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Anthony DeSclafani Jersey . -- Adam Snyder returned to the San Francisco 49ers this season because the offensive lineman thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. Wests Tigers football manager Mark ONeill has resigned from the NRL club in the wake of misconduct allegations.The Tigers released a statement on Friday saying the 2005 premiership player had left the club.ONeill took up the support role with the Tigers in February.Wests Tigers can confirm that Mark ONeill has resigned from his position as General Manager - Football effective today, the statement read.The Board of Wests Tigers is fully committed to ensuring the club is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and seeks to promote an environment that supports diversity, productivity and professionalism.ddddddddddddAll employees have the right to be treated fairly and with respect.Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated and the Board will not excuse misconduct in any circumstances.Allegations had been levelled at ONeill that he had acted inappropriately with a female staff member at a club end of season celebration. ' ' '