Capitals End Sabres' Winning Streak with Late Game-Winner

Jakob Chychrun scores decisive goal in final minutes to lift Washington over Buffalo

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:35am

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Jakob Chychrun scored the go-ahead goal with 1:33 left in the third period to help the Washington Capitals end the Buffalo Sabres' eight-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night. Aliaksei Protas set up the game-winner, while Ryan Leonard also scored for the Capitals. Charlie Lindgren made 29 saves for Washington as they work to remain in contention for an Eastern Conference wild card spot. Sam Carrick scored the lone goal for the Sabres, who continue to lead the Atlantic Division despite the loss.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Capitals as they try to secure a playoff spot, while the Sabres' loss ends their impressive winning streak that had them atop the division. The game-winning goal by Chychrun in the final minutes provided a dramatic finish to the matchup between these two playoff contenders.

The details

Chychrun scored the decisive goal after Aliaksei Protas controlled a loose puck behind the Sabres' net and passed it out to Chychrun, who fired a wrist shot from the right face-off dot for his 23rd goal of the season. Ryan Leonard had tied the game for the Capitals earlier in the second period. Charlie Lindgren made 29 saves for Washington, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 20 shots for Buffalo. Sam Carrick scored the Sabres' lone goal in the first period.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Chychrun scored the game-winning goal with 1:33 left in the third period.

The players

Jakob Chychrun

A defenseman for the Washington Capitals who scored the decisive goal in the final minutes to end the Sabres' winning streak.

Aliaksei Protas

A forward for the Washington Capitals who recorded his 100th career assist on the 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 their lone goal in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win these close games down the stretch if we want to make the playoffs. This was a big two points for us tonight.”

— Jakob Chychrun (Capitals Press Conference)

What’s next

The Capitals will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Sabres will aim to start a new winning streak after seeing their eight-game run come to an end.

The takeaway

This game showcased the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Capitals finding a way to edge out the division-leading Sabres in a tight, low-scoring affair. The late game-winner by Chychrun was a clutch moment that could prove crucial for Washington's postseason aspirations.