NHL: Washington 5, Anaheim 1

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Alexander Semin scored twice in a four-goal third period Wednesday, leading the Washington Capitals' 5-1 victory against Anaheim.

Wednesday's victory, the only game between the teams this season, extended the Capitals' winning streak to eight games -- the first time they had won eight straight since March 9-26, 1989.

With the score tied 1-1 through two periods, Shaone Morrisonn's first goal this season (unassisted) started the barrage at 1:45 of the third. Less than a minute later, Mike Knuble's 16th gave Washington a 3-1 lead, and Semin's 24th and 25th, the first on a 5-on-3 power play, capped the scoring.

The league's leading scorer, Alex Ovechkin, had three points -- one goal, two assists -- while Capitals' goaltender Michal Neuvirth gave up only Dan Sexton's ninth goal at 11:23 of the second.

Ovechkin's 25th came 36 seconds into the contest.