TOP GAME

Sabres 3, Capitals 0

Miller's shutout helps Buffalo halt Washington's win streak

Ryan Miller didn't want to take all the credit for shutting down Alex Ovechkin and the high-octane Washington Capitals.

Miller made 35 saves for his 16th career shutout, Nathan Gerbe scored his first NHL goal, and host Buffalo halted Washington's six-game winning streak.

Ovechkin, the league's second-highest goal scorer with 20, was held without a point for only the fifth time in his 23 games. The Capitals were shut out for the first time this season.

"It took everybody to put an emphasis on getting back," Miller said. "We picked up sticks a lot, and Ovechkin had to really go to the outside a lot. He likes to create and make space for himself, but he had somebody right down his back. That makes it frustrating, and it makes it tough."

Miller preserved his fourth shutout of the season when he robbed Brendan Morrison, who was staring at a open net, with a diving glove save along the ice with 13 minutes left. He then snagged Nicklas Backstrom's shot from in tight four minutes later.

"Those were two jaw-dropping saves," said defenseman Steve Montador, who scored a first-period goal. "There were stretches in the third where we probably could have done a better job, but at that time of the game we had dominated and done a good job of limiting their top line."

Morrison hit the post with 4:45 to go, and Miller steered away 13 shots in the third period.

OTHER GAMES

• Devils 4, Hurricanes 2: Defenseman Andy Greene scored consecutive goals, the first two-goal game of his career, and surging New Jersey beat visiting Carolina.

Patrik Elias and Rob Niedemayer also scored for the Devils, who have won four straight and seven of eight. Martin Brodeur made 21 saves.

• Maple Leafs 3, Islanders 2 -- Jason Blake knocked home a bouncing puck with less than five minutes remaining against his former team, and host Toronto held off New York.

• Blues 1, Red Wings 0: Brad Boyes scored early and Ty Conklin made 42 saves to lead St. Louis over host Detroit.

Jimmy Howard gave up Boyes' goal on the second shot he faced 1:56 into the game.

The Red Wings, who have won three of their past nine, were shut out for the third time in five home games.

• Oilers 3, Lightning 2: Zack Stortini scored his third goal of the season and had two fights, and Edmonton beat host Tampa Bay.

Winger Ryan Malone and center Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay's top two goal scorers this season, left the game because of injuries.

• Blackhawks 2, Rangers 1, OT: Dustin Byfuglien beat Henrik Lundqvist with 3:43 into overtime, giving Chicago a win over visiting New York.

• Wild 1, Avalanche 0: Niklas Backstrom made 23 saves for his first shutout of the season and 18th of his career, Antti Miettinen scored for Minnesota, and the Wild beat host Colorado.

-- Associated Press