Semyon Varlamov makes one of his 37 saves. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The Washington Capitals won in St. Louis for the first time since October 26, 1996. Nicklas Backstrom scored two goals and premier player Alex Ovechkin had an assist as the Blues dropped their second game in a row at home, losing 4-1.

The loss ended a Blues eight game win streak at home against Washington as Caps goalie Semyon Varlamov got a little revenge on Jaroslav Halak. It was Halak who helped bounce Washington from the playoffs last season when he played with Montreal. Wednesday night, the Caps’ goalie stopped 37 of 38 shots for the win.

Alex Steen scored the Blues’ lone goal in the final minute of the second perido to pull St. Louis to within 2-1, but two third period goals from Backstrom, including an empty netter sealed the win.