NHL: Washington 4, Montreal 3 (SO)

Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom scored shootout goals Wednesday to bring Washington a 4-3 win over Montreal.

Semin scored in the first round of the shootout when the puck fell out of Carey Price’s pads and into the net. Washington quickly claimed the win after Jose Theodore made two saves and Backstrom put a shot past Price to the far post.

Washington won its third straight and fourth in five games, getting regulation goals from Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom and David Steckel.

Theodore made 30 saves for his 22nd win of the season. Montreal has lost six of its last seven. Price made 32 saves.

This was the first game for the Canadiens since star forward Alex Kovalev was sent home for the final two stops of the team’s road trip.

General Manager Bob Gainey made the decision Tuesday, saying he questioned Kovalev’s energy and focus.