Capitals 3, Ducks 2 (SO): Nicklas Backstrom scored the decisive goal in the second round of the shootout as host Washington posted its third consecutive victory.

Rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov - who notched two assists - and Jakob Silfverberg converted in the first round of the bonus format before Backstrom beat Ilya Bryzgalov to the stick side, and Philipp Grubauer denied Ryan Kesler after Corey Perry hit the post to seal the win. Jason Chimera recorded a goal and an assist, defenseman John Carlson also scored and Grubauer made 23 saves in his season debut as the Capitals improved to 10-1-2 in their last 13 at home.

Kesler scored a goal and set up another while Perry also tallied for the league-leading Ducks, who are 1-0-1 on their five-game road trip. Bryzgalov turned aside 32 shots as Anaheim moved to 23-0-7 in one-goal decisions this season.

The Ducks took advantage of a late power play in the first period to open the scoring as Kesler unleashed a snap shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that found the top right corner of the net with 1:45 remaining. Chimera forged a tie at 4:15 of the second, converting a cross-slot pass from Kuznetsov during a short 2-on-none rush after Troy Brouwer kept the puck in the offensive zone at the left point.

The contest remained even until midway through the third, when Carlson received a feed from Kuznetsov and beat Bryzgalov high to the glove side from the right circle. Anaheim answered three minutes later as Perry banked the puck off Grubauer and in after his backhand pass attempt from along the end boards on the right side of the net was blocked.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf missed his second straight game after aggravating a lower-body injury during pregame warmups Thursday at Nashville. ... Washington D Mike Green also sat out after being involved in a knee-on-knee collision with Ottawa D Chris Phillips on Thursday. ... The Capitals have earned at least one point in five of their last six contests (4-1-1).