The Buffalo Sabres opened their four-game road trip Saturday night with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Buffalo moved to 4-4-3 on the season after former teammate Alex Tuch scored the game-winner against his former club.
Tuch, facing the Sabres for the first time since his offseason trade to Washington, scored twice, including the decisive goal 3:42 into overtime.
Buffalo started quickly, taking a 2-0 lead midway through the opening period.
Jack Quinn opened the scoring at 6:27 with his team-leading sixth goal of the season before Josh Doan doubled the advantage just over four minutes later.
Washington answered late in the period when Tuch’s attempted centering pass deflected off Tage Thompson’s stick and into the Buffalo net.
The Capitals seized control in the second period behind two goals from Dylan Strome.
Strome tied the game at 2:59 before scoring again with 2:36 remaining, giving Washington its first lead.
Buffalo responded early in the third when Noah Östlund was credited with the tying goal after his shot created a rebound that deflected off Washington defenseman Matt Roy and crossed the goal line.
Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 31 saves, including a crucial third-period stop on Strome that helped force overtime.
However, Tuch ended the contest after receiving a pass from Strome and beating Luukkonen from the slot.
Buffalo continues its road trip Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, with puck drop scheduled for 10:30 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
