Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres had their eight-game winning streak snapped on Thursday, as the Washington Capitals came to town and earned a late win, 2-1.
This game looked like it might go to overtime until the Sabres lost coverage on one of the best scoring defensemen in the National Hockey League. Jakob Chychrun jumped into the right circle and was wide-open, scoring his 23rd goal of the season with just 1:33 left.
There was nothing Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could do on the play. It was Chychrun’s seventh game-winning goal, which is fourth in the NHL.
Luukkonen had a really good game in the third period when his team looked like the team that played last night instead of the Capitals. Washington had nine shots in the first 40 minutes, and outshot the Sabres in the final 20 minutes, 13-5.
In the second period, Buffalo started turning the puck over, which fueled the Washington offense. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff used his two new defensemen - Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley - together, and they turned it over just 2:14 into the frame.
Ryan Leonard scored from the right circle on a shot that needs to be stopped. Other than that, Luukkonen was solid all night long.
To be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with that defensive pair.
Buffalo could’ve put this game away in the first period when they were all over Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren. He made some great saves, but the Sabres were also on the perimeter, which stopped them from getting even more chances.
On a late power play, Tage Thompson got locked and loaded in the left circle, firing five bombs, but none of them found the back of the net.
I doubt you’ll see Thompson get stoned like that again.
The Sabres haven’t had too many games like this since they started this streak in early December. Despite the poor play, they easily could’ve won this game if it wasn't for Lindgren.
I have no idea how the Capitals goalie didn’t get a star, because he’s the reason they won.
After the game, Ruff said winger Alex Tuch told him during the morning skate he was still having trouble with his lower-body injury.
"He knew this morning," Ruff said. "He came to me on the ice twice and talked about it. He’s feeling OK, probably if it’s a playoff-type scenario he’s a player, but he’s dealing with something. Why should we make it worse when a couple of days could make it that much better?”
The dirtiest goon in the NHL took out Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews on Thursday in Toronto. Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas went for the Leafs' captain’s knees, as he continues a career of purposely trying to hurt players.
The Leafs make the trek to Buffalo on Saturday, and I’d be surprised if Matthews can play.
The loss for Buffalo now put the Tampa Bay Lightning back in first place in the Atlantic Division with a points percentage of .656. The Sabres are at .652.
The Carolina Hurricanes are still ahead of both teams for the top spot in the Eastern Conference at .677.
The Sabres have only won five of their last nine home games.
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