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Sabres look to snap skid vs. Capitals

Nov 1, 2008 - 10:58 AM Washington (5-3-1) at Buffalo (6-2-2) 7:00 p.m. EDT

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- The Buffalo Sabres' blistering start has become nothing but a memory.

The Sabres will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they conclude a three-game homestand Saturday against the Washington Capitals, who will be without superstar Alex Ovechkin for a second consecutive game.

Washington again will have to make due without reigning Hart Trophy winner Ovechkin, who left for his native Russia on Monday to visit his ailing grandfather. He is not expected to rejoin the team until after the weekend.

Countryman Alexander Semin picked up the slack Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, collecting a goal and an assist while adding a tally in the shootout as the Capitals posted a 4-3 win.

The Sabres started the season at 6-0-1, but their high-powered offense has hit a cold front. After scoring just one goal in a shootout loss to Colorado on October 25, Buffalo was limited to two goals apiece in consecutive losses to Ottawa and Tampa Bay.

The goaltending has not exactly made up for the lack of scoring. Patrick Lalime allowed all five goals in Monday's loss to the Senators, while Ryan Miller suffered his first regulation loss of the season against the Lightning on Thursday despite making a season-high 35 saves.

Thomas Vanek continues to lead the Sabres offensively as he netted his league-leading ninth goal of the season Thursday.