Capitals Edge Sabres 2–1, Snap Buffalo’s Eight-Game Winning Streak
Written by Pete Zehler on March 12, 2026
The Buffalo Sabres saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end Thursday night as the Washington Capitals earned a 2–1 victory at KeyBank Center.
Washington broke the tie late in the third period when defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining, lifting the Capitals to the road win and halting Buffalo’s push for a ninth straight victory.
Buffalo controlled much of the early action and opened the scoring midway through the first period. Sam Carrick found the back of the net at 13:58, finishing off a strong offensive-zone shift to give the Sabres a 1–0 lead.
The Sabres dominated possession throughout the opening frame, outshooting Washington 15–3 and spending long stretches in the offensive zone. Despite generating several quality chances—including multiple shots from Tage Thompson during a late power play—Buffalo was unable to extend the lead.
Washington responded early in the second period. Rookie forward Ryan Leonard tied the game at 1–1 with a goal at 17:47, capitalizing on one of the Capitals’ best offensive sequences of the night. After the equalizer, the game slowed considerably, with much of the play occurring between the blue lines and both teams struggling to generate sustained pressure.
The third period remained tightly contested, with goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen keeping Buffalo in the game with several key saves. Luukkonen denied Tom Wilson on a breakaway and made another strong stop during a Washington power play as the Sabres successfully killed both Capitals man-advantages on the night.
But Washington eventually found the breakthrough.
With 1:33 remaining in regulation, Chychrun scored to give the Capitals their first lead of the night and secure the win. His goal proved to be the difference in a tightly played defensive battle.
Buffalo finished with a 30–22 edge in shots on goal and controlled the faceoff circle, winning 60 percent of draws. Both teams finished scoreless on the power play, with Buffalo going 0-for-2 and Washington also finishing 0-for-2.
Carrick’s first-period tally accounted for the Sabres’ lone goal, while Leonard and Chychrun scored for Washington. Chychrun was named the game’s first star after recording the winning goal and logging more than 20 minutes of ice time.
The loss dropped Buffalo to 40-20-6 on the season, while Washington improved to 33-27-7 as it continues to battle for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Buffalo will look to bounce back Saturday night when the Sabres return to KeyBank Center to host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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