The Buffalo Sabres coasted to a 5-1 win against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, winning the season series 3-1 and jumping the Caps for the 8th and final playoff spot. With a 4-1 lead at the second intermission, the Sabres easily salted the game away over the final 20 minutes in front of a half-empty Verizon Center.
The Sabres added their fifth goal mid-way through the final period on a three-on-one breakaway which summed up the ugly evening for Caps' fans. Buffalo won a puck battle at the blue line, with Tyler Ennis grabbing a Roman Hamrlik turnover and taking off the other way on the breakaway. Ennis would hit Drew Stafford with a perfect cross and goaltender Michal Neuvirth never had a chance as Stafford ripped his second goal into the back of the net at point-blank range. Ryan Miller would ensure that Washington could not pull off any kind of miracle comeback, finishing the game with an impressive 44 saves.
Now two points out of the playoffs, the Caps hit the road to face the Boston Bruins on Thursday evening.
For more on the Washington Capitals, be sure to check out Japers' Rink. Buffalo Sabres news and info can be found at Die By The Blade, and all your NHL news is available at SB Nation's NHL page.
