Sabres Snap Skid with Shootout Thriller Over Capitals

BUFFALO – J.J. Peterka’s steady confidence under the bright lights delivered the Buffalo Sabres a much-needed 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals on Monday night at KeyBank Center. In a tense back-and-forth battle, Peterka’s decisive goal in the fourth round of the shootout finally secured two points for the Sabres, ending a frustrating three-game skid.

The Sabres (15-21-5) were desperate for a win on home ice, having collected just one victory in their previous nine games at KeyBank Center. Monday’s triumph steadied the ship and provided a spark as the team aims to climb back into the playoff hunt.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Buffalo led three separate times during regulation, only to watch Washington claw back each time, capped by Aliaksei Protas’ late third-period deflection that forced overtime. The Capitals’ persistence nearly spoiled the Sabres’ evening, but timely saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and clutch scoring by Peterka and Alex Tuch during the shootout ensured Buffalo came out on top.

Tuch’s breakaway goal early in the second period and Tage Thompson’s power-play marker midway through the game were pivotal, but Protas’ net-front presence kept Washington alive. His redirection over Luukkonen’s shoulder with just over four minutes remaining in the third period set the stage for an intense overtime session that saw both teams squander prime scoring chances.

Shootout Drama Unfolds

The Sabres appeared poised to finish the job in overtime, but Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren stood tall. Lindgren denied Thompson’s blistering shot from the right circle and smothered Jason Zucker’s breakaway attempt, sending the game to the shootout.

After Tuch scored in the third round to extend the shootout, Peterka patiently deked Lindgren and lifted the puck into the net, sending the KeyBank Center crowd into a frenzy. Luukkonen sealed the win by stopping Tom Wilson on the Capitals’ final attempt.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Peterka wasted little time making his mark in regulation, opening the scoring 4:42 into the game with a precise shot from the right circle. The goal, Peterka’s 11th of the season, capped a strong first period in which the Sabres controlled the tempo, outshooting the Capitals 9-6.

Washington found the equalizer through Wilson, whose power-play strike knotted the game at 1-1 midway through the first. Wilson’s physicality and ability to find open ice created problems for Buffalo’s defense all night, as the veteran winger struck again in the second period, jamming home a rebound to tie the game at 2-2.

Still, Buffalo refused to back down. Tuch’s relentless forechecking led to his breakaway goal just over a minute into the second period, briefly restoring Buffalo’s lead. Thompson followed up with his 19th goal of the season, blasting a one-timer past Lindgren on the power play to give the Sabres a 3-2 advantage entering the third period.

Key Saves and Missed Opportunities

Luukkonen’s 23-save performance was punctuated by several game-saving stops, including key saves on Wilson and Rasmus Sandin during critical moments. Lindgren was equally impressive on the opposite end, turning aside 28 shots and keeping Washington within striking distance.

Buffalo nearly won the game in overtime when Tuch found Thompson open in the slot, but Lindgren’s glove flashed just in time to deny the chance. Moments later, Luukkonen mirrored that effort, robbing Alex Ovechkin with a sprawling pad save.

Special Teams Shine

Buffalo’s power play, which had been streaky of late, delivered when needed. Thompson’s second-period tally came after Dylan Strome’s roughing penalty gave the Sabres their second man-advantage opportunity. Buffalo finished the night 1-for-3 on the power play, while Washington’s lone power-play goal came on Wilson’s first-period strike.

Lineup Notes

Buffalo was without winger Beck Malenstyn and defenseman Jacob Bryson, both sidelined with illness. Dennis Gilbert was a healthy scratch, while Henri Jokiharju re-entered the lineup after missing six games.

Next Up

The Sabres hit the road Thursday to face the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre at 7 p.m. before returning home Saturday to host the Seattle Kraken at KeyBank Center for a 4 p.m. matinee matchup. With momentum from Monday’s win, Buffalo hopes to turn the tide and build consistency as the season progresses.