WASHINGTON – In a statement game against a “we don’t like them” rival, the Washington Capitals did some payback Tuesday night, beating the Flyers 2-1 in a shootout to avenge the only loss they’ve had in a month and ease some of the sting from last year’s first-round playoff series loss.

Jose Theodore made 33 saves and stopped all three shots in the shootout, strengthening his claim to the No. 1 goaltender spot. Nicklas Backstrom scored in the first period for the Capitals, and Viktor Kozlov was the only player in the shootout to find the net.

Panthers 4, Leafs 2

TORONTO – Stephen Weiss, Ville Peltonen, Michael Frolik and Gregory Campbell scored goals to lead the Florida Panthers to a 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hurricanes 3, Devils 2

RALEIGH, N.C. – Sergei Samsonov scored his 200th career goal and the Carolina Hurricanes withstood a late rally to beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 .

Ray Whitney and Tuomo Ruutu also scored for the Hurricanes, who extended their winning streak to a season-high four games.

Sabres 4, Senators 2

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Derek Roy had a goal and two assists and the Buffalo Sabres avoided blowing a three-goal lead to beat the slumping road-weary Ottawa Senators 4-2.

Matt Ellis, Drew Stafford and Thomas Vanek with a game-sealing empty-netter in the final minute also scored for the Sabres, who won their third straight.

Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots to win for the fourth time in five starts.