Better Effort But Same Result for the Buffalo Sabres

At least they looked like they were interested.  The Buffalo Sabres played a much better game on Monday afternoon against the Washington Capitals than the one they played Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.  But it didn't make a difference on the scoreboard.  The Sabres lost anyway 3-2.

As far as afternoon home games go for the Sabres this season, they've been a disaster.  In seven matinees at KeyBank Center the Sabres have lost every one of them.  But, if you're an optimist the Sabres still have two more 1:00 games and a 5:00 game still on the schedule to put one in the win column.

The Washington Capitals had some good luck on their side when Alex Ovechkin scored on a deflection and the Caps scored on a shot that just barely made it over the goal line to take a 2-0 lead in the second period.  Both went to video review to confirm they were good goals.

Kyle Okposo got credit for a third period goal that brought the Sabres to within one but the Caps scored into an empty net with 25 seconds left to clinch it.  Evander Kane scored a meaningless goal with four seconds left for the 3-2 final.

Chad Johnson got the start in goal and stopped 28 shots and deserved better than what he got.  For the second game in a row the Sabres dominated play in the third period outshooting the Capitals 17-6.  If only they would play that way earlier in the game.

The Sabres play at Detroit on Thursday night.