NHL: Washington 2, Montreal 1

MONTREAL, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Michael Nylander's goal at 17:28 of the third period Saturday boosted the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory against Montreal.

Nylander's third goal this season almost overshadowed a brilliant effort in net by former first-round draft pick Simeon Varlamov. In his NHL debut, Varlamov made 32 saves on 33 shots.

Nicklas Backstrom (power play) scored his 10th goal of the season at 10:19 of the first period for the Southeast Division-leading Capitals, who have won three straight and five of their last six games while playing with six players out due to various injuries.

Montreal averted a shutout on Patrice Brisebois' third goal of the campaign at 15:25 of the second period.

Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves on 26 shots for the Canadiens, who had beaten the Capitals in four of the previous five games between the teams in Montreal.

On the power play, Washington went 1-for-4, while Montreal failed to score on seven man-advantage opportunities.