WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Michael Neuvirth won his NHL-leading 12th game Wednesday, making 31 saves in helping Washington fight off Buffalo 4-2.
The Capitals built a 3-0 lead before Buffalo scored twice in the span of 48 seconds of the middle period.
Neuvirth blanked the Sabres on 10 shots during the third period and Washington finally clinched it when Alexander Semin scored an empty-net goal with only 4 seconds to play.
The Capitals have produced at least a point in nine straight games and they improved to 10-1 at home this season. Washington leads the NHL with 29 points and Semin has a point in nine consecutive contests.
Nicklas Backstrom, Matt Bradley and Dave Steckel scored for Washington during the game's first 22:45.
Ryan Miller stopped 25-of-28 shots for the Sabres, who had won four of their previous five.
The teams have split two meetings this year. Buffalo is one of five teams to have defeated the Capitals over the first 19 games of the campaign.
