Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres had a big night on the scoresheet, as the offense found the back of the net six times in a much-needed win over the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center.
JJ Peterka scored twice for the Sabres and picked up an assist, while Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin also put up three-point nights in the 6-2 victory.
It was an all too familiar sight early in the first period for Sabres fans, as the visiting team got on the board early. Martin Fehervary scored just 2:46 into the game on a slap shot from the slot through the legs of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
The Sabres tied the game up later in the first period, as Zemgus Girgensons tipped home a Dahlin wrist shot with just under five minutes remaining in the period.
Just moments after tying the game, Buffalo was given its first power play chance of the night with Rasmus Sandin called for hooking for Washington. It was Peterka giving the Sabres the 2-1 lead, scoring just 1:08 after Girgensons.
Midway through the second period, the Sabres extended their lead to 3-1 as Peterka scored his second of the night after a great steal by Tuch in the Capitals' zone.
Washington got its first chance with the man advantage late in the second, as Peyton Krebs was called for holding.
The red-hot Capitals power play converted not too long into their chance to make it a one-goal game, as Dylan Strome put home a rebound with just 46 seconds remaining in the period.
The Sabres came out hot in the third period, getting their second power play goal of the game when Dahlin ripped home a shot from the point.
Just 1:45 later, Thompson got in on the action by roofing a shot from in-close to make it 5-2, Sabres.
Tuch then joined the scoring frenzy for Buffalo to make it 6-2 on a great feed from Thompson. His goal gave the Sabres three goals in 2:30 of game play.
From there, the Sabres cruised to victory with Luukkonen stopping 23 shots in the win.
Before the game, Jeff Skinner was recognized for reaching his 1,000th career NHL game played. The 31-year-old was joined by his family at center ice during the ceremony, and received gifts from the Sabres organization and the NHL.
You can watch the full ceremony below:
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 15:42 - Zemgus Girgensons (8) (Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power); 16:50 - JJ Peterka (27) PPG (Alex Tuch, Zach Benson)
WSH: 2:46 - Martin Fehervary (3) (Michael Sgarbossa, Hendrix Lapierre)
Second Period:
BUF: 10:54 - JJ Peterka (28) (Alex Tuch)
WSH: 19:44 - Dylan Strome (26) PPG (John Carlson, Alex Ovechkin)
Third Period:
BUF: 3:03 - Rasmus Dahlin (18) PPG (JJ Peterka); 4:48 - Tage Thompson (27) (Jack Quinn, Zach Benson); 5:33 - Alex Tuch (20) (Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin)
WSH: NONE
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Losi & Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) JJ Peterka - BUF
2.) Alex Tuch - BUF
3.) Rasmus Dahlin - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres welcome the Philadelphia Flyers to KeyBank Center on Friday night in the final game of a five-game homestand. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET with pregame coverage on WGR starting at 6 p.m. ET with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.