Washington Capitals defeat Buffalo Sabres 4-3: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks
Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · NHL · Buffalo Sabres 3, Washington Capitals 4
The Washington Capitals beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Capital One Arena. The Buffalo Sabres covered the puck line as 1.5-goal underdogs. The game went over the closing total of 6.5, with 7 goals combined. AiQ's moneyline pick in this game won.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals final score and game recap
The Buffalo Sabres led 2-1 after the first period. The Washington Capitals won the second period 2-0 to lead 3-2 after two periods. The Buffalo Sabres outscored the Washington Capitals 1-0 in the third period. It was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation. The Washington Capitals won it in overtime.
The leading performers, from the box score:
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo Sabres): 30 saves on 34 shots.
- Josh Doan (Buffalo Sabres): 1 goal.
- Dylan Strome (Washington Capitals): 2 goals, 1 assist.
- Alex Tuch (Washington Capitals): 2 goals.
Who covered the spread in Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals?
The Buffalo Sabres covered the puck line as 1.5-goal underdogs, losing by 1 goal.
The puck line opened and closed at Washington Capitals -1.5.
Did Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals go over or under the total?
The game went over: 7 goals combined against a closing total of 6.5, over by 0.5.
The total opened and closed at 6.5.
How did AiQ's Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals predictions do?
AiQ's moneyline pick in this game won.
- Moneyline: the Washington Capitals to win at -120, a win (+$83.33 on a $100 bet).
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals game prop results: first period and team totals
AiQ does not pick game props. This is how the sportsbook markets settled.
- First-period moneyline: Buffalo Sabres won the first period, paying -108.
- Buffalo Sabres team total 2.5: the over, paying -205, with 3 scored.
- First-period total 1.5: the over, paying -160, with 3 goals scored.
- Buffalo Sabres team total 3.5: the under, paying -150, with 3 scored.
- Washington Capitals team total 2.5: the over, paying -240, with 4 scored.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals odds: sportsbook value and line movement
Shortly before the start, the consensus moneyline had the Buffalo Sabres at +100 and the Washington Capitals at -120. With the bookmaker's margin removed, that made the Washington Capitals a 52% favorite. The Washington Capitals won as the favorite at -120: $83.33 profit on a $100 bet. On AiQ's moneyline pick, the Washington Capitals, the price before the game was -120: priced below fair (−3.4% value).
Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals betting trends: 2026-27 season
This result left the Buffalo Sabres 4-7 in the 2026-27 regular season (3-3 at home, 1-4 away or at neutral sites). Against the puck line, they covered in 4 of 8 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 5 times and under 3 times. That made it three straight losses for the Buffalo Sabres.
This result left the Washington Capitals 6-4 in the 2026-27 regular season (5-2 at home, 1-2 away or at neutral sites). Against the puck line, they covered in 4 of 10 games with a closing line on file. Their games went over the closing total 6 times and under 4 times.
What's next for Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals?
Next for the Buffalo Sabres: at the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Next for the Washington Capitals: the Philadelphia Flyers at home on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.