The Buffalo Sabres saw their eight-game win streak come to an end Thursday night with a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center.
Jakob Chychrun scored the go-ahead goal with 1:33 remaining in regulation, finishing a cross-ice pass from Aliaksei Protas with a one-timer from the right faceoff circle. The goal broke a 1-1 tie late in the third period.
Buffalo controlled much of the opening period, outshooting Washington 15-3 and taking a 1-0 lead at 6:02. Sam Carrick scored the Sabres’ lone goal, tapping in a backdoor pass from Beck Malenstyn near the crease. Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren kept Washington within reach and finished with 29 saves.
Washington tied the game early in the second period when Ryan Leonard intercepted a pass near the point and scored from the right circle at 2:14.
The teams traded chances through the remainder of the game before Chychrun’s late goal gave the Capitals the lead.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 19 saves for Buffalo.
The Sabres were without forward Alex Tuch, who missed the game with a lower-body injury after participating in the morning skate. Tanner Pearson made his Sabres debut in Tuch’s place, while defenseman Luke Schenn also made his first appearance with Buffalo after both were acquired from Winnipeg ahead of last Friday’s trade deadline.
The Sabres (40-20-6) homestand concludes Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].