Avs slip past Caps

Denver, CO – Erik Johnson had a goal and an assist, helping 1.

Cody McLeod also lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who had lost four of five. Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 25 saves.

Alexander Semin scored the lone goal for the Capitals, who had won three of four. But Washington was able to extend its streak of games with at least one goal scored to 31 contests to start the 2011-12 season, the longest streak to begin a season since Washington went 31 games without being shut out to kick off 2009-10.

Michal Neuvirth turned aside 26-of-28 shots in defeat.