Washington Capitals edge Buffalo Sabres, 3-2

That brings us to the end of a first period — Buffalo Sabres 0, Washington Capitals 1. Shots were even at 10 apiece, with territorial pressure staying roughly even.

William Carrier opened the scoring for Washington Capitals at 1:52.

Dan Vladar was under siege with 10 highlighted stops.

On the power play, Buffalo Sabres went 0-for-1.

Washington Capitals owned the last five minutes and carried the momentum into the break.

That brings us to the end of a second period — Buffalo Sabres 2, Washington Capitals 0. Washington Capitals edged the shot clock 13-4, and they controlled most of the territorial pressure.

Jimmy Snuggerud tied it for Buffalo Sabres on the power play at 1:29, then Alex Tuch put Buffalo Sabres in front at 17:10.

Igor Shesterkin was under siege with 13 highlighted stops.

On the power play, Buffalo Sabres went 1-for-1 while Washington Capitals went 0-for-2.

The final five minutes were split evenly in chances.

That brings us to the end of a third period — Buffalo Sabres 0, Washington Capitals 2. Buffalo Sabres edged the shot clock 19-12, and they controlled most of the territorial pressure.

Connor McMichael tied it for Washington Capitals at 1:43, then William Carrier put Washington Capitals in front at 12:26.

Dan Vladar was under siege with 19 highlighted stops.

On the power play, Buffalo Sabres went 0-for-1 while Washington Capitals went 0-for-2.

Washington Capitals owned the last five minutes and carried the momentum into the break.