The Capitals are ‘just a little off’ and drop a 4-3 shootout loss on the road against the team with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference.

The Buffalo Sabres have needed center Ryan McLeod to step up after Jiri Kulich suffered a lower-body injury and is out week-to-week. McLeod has done just that in the last two games with his overall play.

Alex Tuch scored twice, JJ Peterka had the deciding goal in the shootout and the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on on Monday night.

BUFFALO -- Alex Tuch scored twice for the Buffalo Sabres in a 4-3 shootout win against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on Monday. JJ Peterka, who had two assists, scored the deciding goal in the shootout.

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The Capitals beat the Sabres 4-2 on Dec. 14 at Capital One Arena. Zucker opened the scoring 1:36 into the game. Washington forward Dylan Strome, who currently leads with the team with 44 points (12+32), broke a 2-2 tie midway through the third period.

The Buffalo Sabres were able to hold off the Washington Capitals in a 4-3 shootout victory on Monday night at KeyBank Center. Buffalo managed to snap a three-game losing skid in the process. Pat Malac

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Alex Tuch scored twice, JJ Peterka had the deciding goal in the shootout and the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on Monday night.

The Washington Capitals' start to action at KeyBank Center didn't go as planned against the Buffalo Sabres, as the team was trailing late. But the Capitals did what they've done best all season: stayed in the fight and found a way to escape with a point. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough to get the second one.

The Capitals have been playing well, with a 5-4-1 record in their last 10 games. They'll visit the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Monday night.

The Capitals will stick with their shaken-up lines from Saturday, with Taylor Raddysh playing on the top line and Connor McMichael centering the third line. Charlie Lindgren will start.

Peterka's 23:37 of ice time was the most that he's played in his 200 NHL games. The winger totaled five shots on goal with eight shot attempts, and he had two assists.