Nicklas Backstrom's shootout goal gives Capitals 4-3 win over Sabres

WASHINGTON - Nicklas Backstrom scored in the sixth round of a shootout to give the Washington Capitals a 4-3 pre-season win over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night.

Backstrom also netted the Capitals' first goal against Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller. Mike Green and Matt Hendricks also scored, with Hendricks tying the game 3-3 with 6:27 remaining in the third period.

Thomas Vanek scored two goals and assisted on Jason Pominville's goal for Buffalo, which dropped to 4-2.

Alex Ovechkin has yet to score in the pre-season, but assisted on the first two goals for the Capitals, 2-3-1 in the pre-season. He and Alexander Semin scored in the shootout.

Tomas Vokoun made 29 saves for Washington.

The Sabres fly to Germany on Saturday for a pre-season game Tuesday in Mannheim. They'll open the season next Friday in Helsinki against Anaheim.

Washington plays its final pre-season game Sunday against Chicago and opens its season against Carolina on Oct. 8.