Peterka scores twice and Buffalo Sabres use 3rd-period surge in 6-2 win over the Washington Capitals

Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin had a objective and two assists every in an outing the Sabres blew open by scoring 3 times in a 2:30 span within the opening minutes of the third interval. Zemgus Girgensons additionally scored and Buffalo inched to inside 5 factors of the Capitals, who started the day holding the Eastern Conference’s last playoff spot.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen bounced again after getting crushed by Martin Fehervary’s 40-footer on the primary shot he confronted, to complete with 23 saves. Sabres ahead Jeff Skinner, enjoying in his 1,000th profession NHL recreation, was held off the scoresheet, and drew a giant sigh from the group when he had a shot financial institution off the crossbar with 8:45 left.

Dylan Strome additionally scored for the Capitals, who dropped to 0-2-1 of their previous three in a skid that instantly adopted a 6-1 run.

Charlie Lindgren was yanked after permitting six targets on 31 pictures, and dropped to 6-3-1 in his previous 10 begins. Darcy Kuemper mopped up with 4 saves.

After Fehervary opened the scoring 2:46 in, the Sabres responded with three consecutive targets.

Peterka scored the go-ahead objective with 3:10 left within the first interval by changing Zach Benson’s move via the crease on a power-play alternative. Peterka, along with his team-leading twenty eighth, scored once more halfway via the second interval after being arrange in entrance by Tuch, who compelled Nicolas Aube-Kubel to cough up the puck whereas trying to interrupt out of the Capitals zone.

Leading 3-2, Dahlin sparked Buffalo’s three-goal surge by one-timing in a shot from the left level 3:03 into the third interval. The Sabres subsequent two targets got here on consecutive pictures, capped by Tuch changing rookie Thompson’s move into the slot to chase Lindgren.

The Sabres honored Skinner with all skaters taking the ice for the pre-game warmup sporting crimson woolen hats, which Skinner is thought to sport. The crew then held a quick ceremony at heart ice the place the participant was joined by his dad and mom and buddies, and offered with a silver stick.

Skinner, sadly, additionally carries the excellence of enjoying probably the most NHL video games with out being on a crew to make the playoffs. A primary-round choose by Carolina within the 2010 draft, the 31-year-old spent his first eight seasons with the Hurricanes earlier than being traded to Buffalo, the place he’s ending his sixth season.

Capitals ahead T.J. Oshie traveled with the crew however didn’t play, and Tom Wilson served the sixth and last recreation of his NHL suspension for high-sticking.

UP NEXT

Capitals: Host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night time.

Sabres: Close five-game homestand in opposition to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night time.

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