NHL: Washington 3, Florida 1

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Mike Green scored the go-ahead goal in the third period Saturday night, lifting the Washington Capitals to a 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers.

Green's 18th goal (power play) broke a 1-1 tie just 18 seconds into the third period, and his 19th (empty net, unassisted) at 18:47 gave him at least one point in six straight games.

Green leads all NHL defenseman with 46 points to date.

Eric Fehr scored Washington's other goal in the game's first 33 seconds.

Jose Theodore was credited with 20 saves on 21 shots for the Capitals, whose home ice record rose to 22-4-1, the best by far in the NHL Southeast Division.

Keith Ballard's fifth goal this season, at 8:35 of the first period, was Florida's lone goal of the game.

Tomas Vokoun gave up two goals on 38 shots for the Panthers, who had won their previous two games.

On the power play, Washington went 1-for-3 and Florida went 0-for-5.