04/04/26 09:02:00
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04/04 21:01 CDT Protas scores in return from injury as Capitals keep playoff
hopes alive with 6-2 win over Sabres
Protas scores in return from injury as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive with
6-2 win over Sabres
By SAMMI SILBER
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) --- Aliaksei Protas had a goal and assist in his return from
injury and the Washington Capitals beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 on Saturday
night.
Jakob Chychrun and Connor McMichael also had a goal and assist, and Dylan
Strome, Ryan Leonard and Tom Wilson also scored for the Capitals, who have won
four of their last five and moved within one point of the second wild-card spot
in the Eastern Conference.
Rasmus Dahlin had a goal and assist, and Beck Malenstyn also scored for the
Sabres, who clinched a playoff berth for the first time in an NHL-record 14
seasons but have dropped two in a row.
Washington had Buffalo on its heels early, scoring three goals in the first six
minutes for a 3-0 lead.
Chychrun opened the scoring with a rebound off a shot from Alex Ovechkin in
front, and 20 seconds later, Strome finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play to
extend the lead. Just over two minutes later, McMichael picked up a rim from
Chychrun off the boards and snuck it past Alex Lyon, ending Lyon's night as
Colten Ellis took over in net.
Following a timeout and goalie change, the Sabres responded. Just 38 seconds
after McMichael's goal, Dahlin cut to the inside and sniped a shot past Logan
Thompson. Minutes later, Malenstyn got to the front and lifted home a rebound.
Protas restored Washington's two-goal lead early in the second, calling his own
number on a 2-on-1 break.
In the third, Leonard struck from the slot, and Wilson scored shorthanded.
Thompson, making his 10th straight start for Washington, had 37 saves.
Ellis had 20 saves in relief.
Up next
Sabres: Host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
Capitals: Visit the New York Rangers on Sunday.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
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