Despite flashes of resilience, the Buffalo Sabres’ struggles continued Saturday night as they fell 4-2 to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Dylan Strome’s third-period goal proved the difference, delivering Washington its 21st win of the season while extending Buffalo’s winless streak to nine games (0-6-3).
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen delivered a valiant 27-save effort, but Buffalo couldn’t contain Washington’s opportunistic offense. Tom Wilson’s two power-play goals highlighted the Capitals’ special-teams dominance, while Strome’s late-game heroics sealed the Sabres’ fate. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun capped the game with an empty-netter to cement the victory.
The loss marks Buffalo’s second-longest skid since a franchise-worst 18-game drought during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. With a record of 11-15-4, the Sabres remain in search of answers as injuries and inconsistent special-teams play continue to plague their campaign.
First Period: Early Spark Fizzles
The Sabres struck early, capitalizing just 96 seconds into the game when Jason Zucker redirected Ryan McLeod’s centering pass for his eighth goal of the season. The quick tally marked the 18th time this season Buffalo has scored first, yet their record when doing so now stands at a disappointing 7-10-1.
Washington soon found its footing, testing Luukkonen repeatedly. The Sabres netminder delivered key stops, including a pad save on Pierre-Luc Dubois and a crucial block on Brandon Duhaime’s breakaway. However, Tom Wilson capitalized on an Owen Power tripping penalty late in the period, redirecting John Carlson’s pass into the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Buffalo was outshot 12-6 in the frame, with the Capitals holding a decisive edge in 5-on-5 scoring chances (10-4).
Second Period: Kulich Shines Amidst Physical Play
A feisty second period featured special-teams drama and promising moments from Buffalo’s younger players. Wilson struck again on the power play just four minutes in, pouncing on a rebound created by Chychrun’s point shot to give Washington a 2-1 lead.
The Sabres responded quickly, with rookie Jiri Kulich tying the game at 2-2. Kulich tipped a Bowen Byram one-timer past Logan Thompson, notching his fourth goal of the season. The 19-year-old continues to showcase his poise, even as Buffalo struggles to find consistency.
Tempers flared midway through the period after Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary leveled Ryan Johnson in front of the net. Dylan Cozens dropped the gloves with Fehervary in defense of his teammate, adding intensity to an already hard-hitting contest.
Buffalo narrowly missed regaining the lead when Alex Tuch’s breakaway shot was denied by Thompson. However, the Sabres’ power play failed to capitalize on two opportunities, extending their scoreless streak with the man advantage to three games.
Third Period: Strome’s Winner Breaks Buffalo’s Spirit
Entering the final frame tied at 2-2, Buffalo sought to snap its winless streak. Early pressure saw Tage Thompson weave through defenders only to have his backhand attempt thwarted by Thompson. The Capitals ultimately broke through when Strome redirected Carlson’s pinpoint pass from the slot with just under nine minutes remaining, giving Washington a 3-2 lead.
Luukkonen kept the Sabres within striking distance, denying Strome another golden chance minutes later. With less than three minutes remaining, Buffalo pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, but the Capitals capitalized as Chychrun buried the empty-netter to seal the 4-2 result.
Special Teams Struggles Continue
Special teams were once again a key factor in Buffalo’s defeat. The penalty kill allowed two goals on three Washington power plays, while the Sabres’ power play went 0-for-2. This trend has hindered Buffalo’s ability to close out tight games despite creating 12 high-danger chances at 5-on-5 during the contest.
Injury Woes and Lineup Adjustments
The Sabres were without captain Rasmus Dahlin for a fifth straight game due to back spasms, leaving a noticeable void on the blue line. Jordan Greenway, who returned to the lineup despite lingering soreness, contributed physicality but couldn’t ignite Buffalo’s offense.
Henri Jokiharju, Jacob Bryson, and Jack Quinn were healthy scratches, while Sam Lafferty missed his seventh consecutive game with a lower-body injury but is expected to return Sunday in Toronto.
Up Next: Rivalry Match in Toronto
The Sabres won’t have much time to dwell on the loss as they head to Scotiabank Arena for a 5 p.m. Sunday showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Buffalo has had recent success in Toronto, winning two of their last three visits.
Final Thoughts
While the Sabres continue to battle, the weight of their losing streak grows heavier. With the special team’s struggles and mounting injuries, the road ahead appears daunting. Sunday’s divisional clash against the Maple Leafs offers an opportunity to reset, but Buffalo will need a complete effort to end its spiral.