WASHINGTON — Drew Stafford and Patrick Kaleta scored just 11 seconds apart in the second period and the Buffalo Sabres notched their second preseason victory, a 2-1 triumph over the Washington Capitals in the Verizon Center.

The best news for Buffalo, though, was the solid effort in goal by Patrick Lalime, who stopped 19 of the 20 shots in going the distance. Washington's only goal Monday was by Keith Aucoin in the second period after the Sabres had taken a 2-0 lead.

It was Lalime's first extended game action since last regular season before he was shut down with hip and sports hernia issues.

"It's nice to be out there and feeling good again. It's been a while," said Lalime, who split goaltending duties with Jhonas Enroth in the Sabres preseason opener, a 4-3 overtime loss to the Capitals last Wednesday in HSBC Arena.

"Everything is good [health-wise] and its nice to get that [the surgery] out of the way," Lalime said. "The docs did a great job and the rehab went well."

Aucoin's goal was "kind of lucky," according to Lalime.

"It was a shot from the top of the circle that was going wide but it hit Tyler Myers' skate and went in."

After the teams played a scoreless first period, Stafford tipped a shot by defenseman Chris Butler past Washington goalie Jose Theodore for the game's first goal. Tim Connolly also assisted on the play. Felix Schutz and Jeff Cowan assisted on the Kaleta tally that made it 2-0.

Next for the Sabres (2-1) will be a Wednesday night game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at HSBC Arena.