The Washington Capitals’ power play continued to be scalding hot as Tom Wilson scored twice to lead the Caps to a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.
Wilson deflected a John Carlson pass over the glove of Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to tie the game, 1-1, in the first period. It was Wilson’s first of two goals on the night, and the first of three assists for Carlson.
Wilson, who has taken over the “bumper” position on the Caps power play with T.J. Oshie out on long term injured reserve, now leads the team in power play goals with six. It is also a career high in power-play goals for Wilson.
“Over the years, [Oshie was] was always teaching me, helping me,” Wilson said. “… I tried to watch him as much as I can and just try to be as good in that spot as I can.”
Early in the second, Wilson scored again to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. On the goal, Jakob Chychrun fought off two Sabres defenders, fired a shot on goal and Wilson deposited the rebound. It marks Wilson’s third multi-goal effort in his last seven games.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said the play doesn’t happen without Chychrun’s effort.
“He’s so good with his lateral movement,” Carbery said of Chychrun. “All of a sudden, a puck that’s dicey and Buffalo’s about to pressure, he gets there and makes a play.”
Dylan Strome scored a mid-third period goal to give the Caps a 3-2 lead before Chychrun added an empty net goal to seal the win. Washington came from behind to win for the 13th time this season.
“The resiliency and belief, it never shakes inside of our room,” Carbery said. “Even when I’m unhappy or guys know we haven’t found our best, there’s still a strong, strong belief that we’re going to find a way to get that goal or change that momentum or have one good period to win a hockey game.”
