Luukkonen Keeps Sabres Afloat Until Overtime in Washington
Washington had the better of this game almost everywhere except the scoreboard, and it took overtime to finish off Buffalo 4-3. The reason the Sabres hung around came down to the two goalies.
Expected goals measure how many goals a team's chances were worth. Washington's chances added up to about 4.20 goals, while Buffalo's came to only 2.17. The Capitals outshot the Sabres 34-21, even though total shot attempts were close to level.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 30 saves on 34 shots. The four goals he allowed matched the quality of the looks he faced, which kept a lopsided night close. At the other end, Charlie Lindgren made 18 saves on 21 shots and gave up three goals on chances that were worth closer to two.
Buffalo could have done even more damage. Josh Doan and Tage Thompson each rang one off the iron, one off a post and one off the crossbar. The bounces went Washington's way at both ends of the ice.
The win moves Washington to 6-4-0, holding the second wild-card spot. Buffalo sits at 4-4-3.
