BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, the Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the Washington Capitals with a score of 4-3 after a tense shootout. Alex Tuch was a standout performer, netting two goals during the game, while JJ Peterka secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal in the shootout. Tage Thompson also contributed a goal for the Sabres, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen showcased his skills in goal, making 25 saves and successfully stopping three out of four shooters in the shootout, thereby breaking the team’s three-game losing streak. Notably, Tuch added to his impact by also scoring in the shootout.

For the Capitals, Tom Wilson shone brightly by scoring twice, and Aliaksei Protas chipped in with a goal and an assist. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves to keep the Capitals competitive. Despite the effort, Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin was unable to find the net, remaining at 23 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary all-time record of 894 goals. Since returning from a broken leg that sidelined him for 16 games, Ovechkin has scored four times in six games.

In terms of recent performance, the Capitals faced their second shootout loss in three games, having previously fallen to the Minnesota Wild by the same 4-3 margin on January 2. Yet, they hold a record of 2-0-2 in their last four games. Conversely, the Sabres managed to halt what could have turned into a severe losing streak; their last was an extensive 13 games.

Peterka’s shootout goal was a key highlight of the game, as he skated slowly to the right of Lindgren before firing a shot that beat the goaltender low on his left-hand blocker side. In terms of impressive statistics, Thompson’s power-play goal was clocked at an astounding 103.7 mph, marking the hardest shot resulting in a goal this season. Additionally, Thompson is recognized for having the hardest recorded shot in the league this season, which reached a speed of 106 mph.

Looking ahead, the Capitals will return home to face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Sabres are set to travel to Ottawa to take on the Senators on Thursday.