Capitals End Sabres' Winning Streak with Late Game-Winner

Jakob Chychrun scored the decisive goal in the final minutes to give Washington the 2-1 victory.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:59am

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In a tight matchup between the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres, Jakob Chychrun scored the go-ahead goal with 1:33 left in the third period to end the Sabres' eight-game winning streak. Aliaksei Protas set up the game-winner, while Ryan Leonard also scored for the Capitals. Charlie Lindgren made 29 saves for Washington as they earned a crucial two points in the Eastern Conference wild card race.

Why it matters

The Capitals' victory over the division-leading Sabres was an important result in the tight Eastern Conference playoff picture. Buffalo had been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, making Washington's late comeback all the more impressive.

The details

Chychrun's game-winning goal came after Protas controlled the puck behind the Sabres' net and fed it out to the defenseman, who scored on a wrist shot. Sam Carrick had given Buffalo the early 1-0 lead, but Ryan Leonard tied it in the second period before Chychrun's heroics in the final minutes. Each team went 0-for-2 on the power play, and Lindgren made a number of key saves to preserve the win for Washington.

  • Chychrun scored the go-ahead goal with 1:33 left in the third period.
  • Carrick gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead at 6:02 of the first period.
  • Leonard tied the score at 2:14 of the second period.

The players

Jakob Chychrun

A defenseman for the Washington Capitals who scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Aliaksei Protas

A forward for the Washington Capitals who recorded his 100th career assist on Chychrun's game-winning goal.

Ryan Leonard

A forward for the Washington Capitals who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Charlie Lindgren

The goaltender for the Washington Capitals who made 29 saves to preserve the win.

Sam Carrick

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored the opening goal of the game in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.