The Buffalo Sabres lost their second-straight game on Friday night thanks to a 4-3 Washington Capitals victory at KeyBank Center, despite a late rally.
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 Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and into the net.
Quick puck movement between 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 4-on-4, 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 one-timer 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, but the play was challenged by interim head coach Don Granato. Tom 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. His fourth goal of the season brought 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.
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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: Tage Thompson (4) (Rasmus Ristolainen)
WSH: 9:48 - Jakub Vrana (11) (Justin Schultz, Lars Eller)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 19:41 - TEAM (Too many men on the ice - 2 min.)
WSH: 12:38 - Dmirty Orlov (Cross checking - 2 min.); 18:45 - Nick Jensen (High sticking - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
WSH: 16:20 - John Carlson (Hooking - 2 min.)
Third Period
BUF: NONE
WSH: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Justin Schultz - WSH
2.) Alexander Ovechkin - WSH
3.) Casey Mittelstadt - BUF
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What's Next
The blue and gold will head out on the road after a pair of home games. Buffalo first travels to Philadelphia for a 2 p.m. ET faceoff with the Flyers on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. The Paul William Beltz Pregame Show starts our coverage with Brian Koziol starting at 1 p.m. ET.