Capitals LW Bourque notches first career NHL goal

Dec 31, 2008 - 4:12 AM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- Rookie Chris Bourque, who is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, netted his first career NHL goal as the Washington Capitals recorded their fourth consecutive victory with a 4-2 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

Drafted in the second round - 33rd overall - in the 2004 draft, Bourque gave the Capitals a 2-0 advantage just 9:02 into the first period after collecting the puck in the slot and wristing it past goaltender Ryan Miller.

"It's awesome that I got that first one. It was surreal," said Bourque, who was playing in his fifth game of the season and ninth career NHL contest.

"I couldn't believe it was right there. It was a perfect shot by 'Stecks' (Dave Steckel) and I crashed the net hard. I got lucky with the rebound right on my stick. I wasn't going to miss that one."

Washington coach Bruce Boudreau was thrilled with Bourque's milestone goal.

"I was really happy with Chris getting his first NHL goal," Boudreau said. "The goal in the second period was the one that really gives you some breathing room. The way we reacted after they scored was very nice."