NHL: Montreal 5, Washington 3

MONTREAL, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Chris Higgins and Michael Ryder each scored two goals Tuesday to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Garth Murray added an empty-net goal in the closing seconds and Jaroslav Halak picked up his second win in as many career starts by stopping 15 shots for the Canadiens, who have now won two in a row since losing six straight.

This is the first time in a month that the Canadiens have posted back-to-back wins.

Jamie Heward had a goal and two assists and Brent Johnson 27 saves for Washington, which has lost four straight.