BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Mike Richards made his first appearance with the Washington Capitals in a 4-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night, 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.
Richards had one shot on goal in 13:01 of ice time.
Veteran forward Brooks Laich was a healthy scratch for the first time this season. He has one goal and four assists in 43 games, but Washington coach Barry Trotz said the scratch was not about production.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
