The Buffalo Sabres are back on the ice a night after having their five-game point streat snapped. Buffalo welcomes the Washington Capitals.
Washington's first shot of the game was converted into a goal to put the Sabres down 1-0. Brenden Dillon was credited with the goal, while Justin Schultz and T.J. Oshie assisted.
Alex Ovechkin's 21st goal of the season came midway through the first period to extend the Capitals lead to 2-0. The Washington captain shot the puck towards the net which went off of a Sabres' defenseman and into the net.
Quick puck movement between Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju helped create the first goal of the night for the Sabres late in the opening period.
It was Jokiharju's third goal of the season, trimming the deficit to 2-1 with under two minutes to go in the first.
Washington wasted no time in the second period extending their lead back to two goals. Just 28 seconds into the period Justin Schultz scored while the two teams were skating four-on-four, giving the Capitals a 3-1 lead.
Rasmus Asplund won a battle for the puck below the goal line, leading to a goal for the blue and gold. The forward found Casey Mittelstadt with a pass and the forward picked the top of the net to bring the team back within a goal.
The goal is Mittelstadt's fifth of the season, with Asplund and Rasmus Ristolainen credited with the assists.
Buffalo once again faced a two-goal deficit, this time thanks to Jakub Vrana. The forward wired a wrist shot into the goal after a pass Schultz, who was credited with an assist along with Eller.
Evgeny Kuznetsov appeared to score and give Washington a 5-2 lead, however the play was challenged by Don Granato. Tim Wilson was offside on the play, and due to the successful challenge the score remained 4-2 in favor of the Capitals.
Tage Thompson scored for the second straight night. This time with Dustin Tokarski pulled for an extra skater, bringing the Sabres within a goal late in the third period.
The late-game comeback would fall a goal short despite several chances over the game's final minute.
Game Summary
Goal Summary
First Period
BUF: 18:26 - Henri Jokiharju (3) (Rasmus Dahlin)
WSH: 2:39 - Brenden Dillon (2) (Justin Schultz, T.J. Oshie)
11:39 - Alex Ovechkin (21) (Brenden Dillon, John Carlson)
Second Period
BUF: 10:08 - Casey Mittelstadt (5) (Rasmus Asplund, Rasmus Ristolainen)
WSH: 0:28 - Justin Schultz (3) (Lars Eller)
Third Period
BUF: none
WSH: 9:48 - Jakub Vrana (11) (Justin Schultz, Lars Eller)
Penalty Summary
First Period
BUF: 19:41 - Team (2 minutes, too many men on the ice)
WSH: 12:38 - Dmirty Orlov (2 minutes, cross checking)
18:45 - Nick Jensen (2 minutes, high sticking)
Second Period
BUF: none
WSH: 16:20 - John Carlson (2 minutes, hooking)
Third Period
BUF: none
WSH: none
