Capitals defenceman Green sets NHL record

Mike Green of the Washington Capitals set an NHL record for a defenceman Saturday night by scoring in his eighth consecutive game.

Green scored at 5:22 of the second period on the power play in Washington's 5-1 win over the hometown Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Calgary native attempted one shot that was partially blocked and then skated in to recover the puck and fire a wristshot past Tampa Bay goalie Karri Ramo.

The record was previously held by Mike O'Connell, who scored in seven straight games for the Boston Bruins during the 1983-84 season.

"I wasn't expecting that, but I was excited," said Green. "It almost brought a little tear to my eye, so I was pretty jacked up."

Green now has 22 goals this season, eight more than the next-highest defenceman in the league.

Alexander Ovechkin notched his NHL-best 38th goal for Washington, while Alexander Semin had a goal and two assists. Eric Fehr — for the third consecutive game — Shaone Morrisonn also scored for the Capitals.

Ryan Malone was the lone Lightning player to beat goalie Michal Neuvirth, who made 31 saves to record his first NHL win.

"What can I say? It's unreal. An unreal feeling right now," Neuvirth said. "I still can't believe that. That was my best feeling ever."

Washington (35-16-5) moved into a second-place tie in the Eastern Conference with New Jersey.

Tampa Bay (19-26-11) lost for the sixth time in eight games.