The Capitals and Sabres seemed to be heading towards a shootout, but with just one minute remaining in overtime, a highlight-worthy play by Thomas Vanek ended the game without the need for anything more. Vanek deked past John Carlson, avoided a poke check attempt by Braden Holtby, and earned himself the opportunity to finish in an open net. The puck appeared to change direction six times under Vanek's control on the game-winning goal that seems likely to make the top plays on every highlight sports highlight show.
This was the Sabres' first home win in 2010.
The Capitals don't have long to recover after this loss, as the Atlantic Division leading Atlanta Thrashers will visit Verizon Center tomorrow. Washington will also have the opportunity to get their revenge against the Sabres on Wednesday.
If you're looking for a positive in this game, it's that the Capitals faced three separate four-minute penalties and still managed to escape with a point. This could have gone much worse.
Still, the Capitals have some work to do. They must improve offensively, and they must learn to limit their mistakes. Keeping their sticks away from their opponents' faces would be a good place to start.
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