Richards makes first appearance with Capitals, Laich out

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Mike Richards made his first appearance with the Washington Capitals on Saturday night and played in his first game since the Los Angeles Kings bought out his contract last summer following an arrest.

Richards was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was stopped at the Manitoba border in June. He signed with Washington on Jan. 6 and was in the lineup for the first time Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Brooks Laich was a healthy scratch for the first time this season. The veteran forward has one goal and four assists in 43 games, but Washington coach Barry Trotz said the scratch was not about production.