Buffalo rebounds in Jeff Skinner's 1,000th career game

Coming off a shutout loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, the Buffalo Sabres started off Week 25 against the Washington Capitals. It was a special night as Sabres forward Jeff Skinner was set to play in his 1,000th career NHL game. Skinner and Buffalo were hoping to rebound against Washington who is occupying the final wild-card spot.

It's been a habit all season, but the Sabres gave up the first goal of the game as the Capitals scored just about three minutes in. Buffalo responded as Rasmus Dahlin shot the puck from the point and Zemgus Girgensons deflected it, evening up the game at 1-1.

Buffalo's power play entered tonight's matchup 0/18 during the last few games. The streak would finally come to an end as JJ Peterka gave the Sabres a 2-1 lead on the power play. In the second period, Peterka struck again, making it 3-1 Buffalo. Dylan Strome got the Capitals back within one in the final minute of the second period, cutting the Sabres lead to 3-2 heading into the final frame.

In the third period, it was all Buffalo. Dahlin scored his 18th goal of the season just about three minutes in. Tage Thompson extended the lead to 5-2 before Alex Tuch scored a minute later to make it 6-2. Skinner had a glorious chance to make it 7-2 but he hit the crossbar. That's how the game ended and the Sabres went on to win the game 6-2.

Postgame thoughts

It was good to see the team play well for Skinner on his big night. After a slow start, they found their game and took control. The power play went 2/2 tonight and four Sabres players had three-point games. Buffalo will be off for a couple of days before welcoming in the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday at 7 pm.