Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom (19) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, right, celebrates his goal with forward Alex Ovechkin, left, during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres forward Taylor Hall (4) right celebrates his goal with teammate Jack Eichel (9) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour (62) is stopped by Washington Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner (53) and Washington Capitals defenseman Justin Schultz (2) vie for position during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)