Jason Zucker and Jiri Kulich scored for the Sabres (11-15-4), who are 0-6-3 in their past nine games. Luukkonen made 27 saves.
“We’ve got to learn how to be OK in a tie game or in those one-goal games and continue to push,” Zucker said. “Right now we have a tendency, and typically when you’re on a losing streak, you tend to do it a little bit more, trying to be safe and not lose a game rather than go take it and try to win.”
Zucker gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead at 1:36 of the first period. Ryan McLeod’s shot deflected off Jordan Greenway and then Zucker before sliding past Thompson.
Wilson tied it 1-1 with a power-play goal at 17:09, redirecting Carlson’s shot over Luukkonen's left shoulder.
Wilson then gave the Capitals a 2-1 lead at 5:11 of the second period, knocking home the rebound of Chychrun’s shot while falling to his knees in the slot during a power play.
The Capitals were 2-for-3 on the power play. The Sabres were 0-for-2.
“Special teams weren’t good enough,” Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. “That was probably the biggest difference in the game.”