When Johan Larsson opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, on their first shot of the game, and the Buffalo Sabres took a 1-0 lead, things were looking pretty good.
Of course, the view is usually spectacular right before you tumble over the cliff.
The Washington Capitals struck swiftly and often, scoring six unanswered goals en route to their 6-1 domination of the Sabres. The Caps took advantage of a weary Sabres penalty kill to the tune of three power play goals, including a beautiful snipe from Alex Ovechkin, and used a season-high 45 shots (the Sabres had just 17) to put nail after nail in Buffalo’s coffin.
Starting goaltender Matt Hackett was pulled in the second period after giving up his fourth goal, and Anders Lindback cam on in relief to give up the final two. The goaltending wasn’t great, but that wasn’t the only reason the Sabres never had a chance – their SAT scores resembled a failing high schooler, trailing the Capitals 71-34, and they lost almost twice as many faceoffs as they won.
They simply had no jump in their second game of a back-to-back, and after the first few Washington goals, there simply wasn’t much hope, and even fewer results.
Three Questions
1. Will Alexander Ovechkin play?
He did, and he had a big impact, finishing the game with a goal, an assist, and eight of Washington’s 47 shots. Those guys you pick at the top of the draft sure are good, huh?
2. Who will center the second line tonight?
It was Johan Larsson, and he ended up with the Sabres only goal. He also led the team with five hits, and showed a bit better overall than he has in his previous NHL stints.
3. Which version of the Sabres from last night will we see – first period, or third?
Third. Definitely third.
Comment of the Game
Shots are 35-13
That’s right. Double digit shots. Take that washington