NHL: Colorado 2, Washington 1

DENVER, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Erik Johnson's first goal of the season provided the difference for the Colorado Avalanche Saturday in their 2-1 victory over Washington.

Johnson's blast from the point got past a screened Michal Neuvirth and came only 1 minute after Alexander Semin had pulled the Capitals into a 1-1 tie with a goal 13:09 into the middle frame.

Cody McLeod also for the first time this season and Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 25 saves for the Avalanche, who began a four-game homestand with a victory.

Neuvirth ended with 26 saves for Washington, which fell to 4-5-0 under newly hired Coach Dale Hunter.