NHL: Washington 4, Buffalo 2

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Jose Theodore made 31 saves Tuesday to pace the Washington Capitals' 4-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who have won four straight and nine of 10 overall. Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, scored the first goal of his NHL career and Brooks Laich also scored.

Adam Mair and Clarke MacArthur each scored a goal and Ryan Miller gave up three goals on 30 shots for the Sabres, who have lost four of their last five.

The Caps scored in less than 2 minutes with a power play. Alexander Ovechkin sent a quick pass to Slava Kozlov who sent it to Backstrom, who fired the puck on net and Laich put it in.