Alex Tuch

A sellout crowd in Capital One Arena let out a collective gasp as the puck reached Alex Ovechkin.

The Sabres rebounded from a disappointing 7-4 loss and improved to 31-36-6 overall.

Buffalo Sabres COO Pete Guelli: “One thing I’ve learned (since being hired last April), this is still a hockey market and the fans are as passionate as ever.

“Totally disrespected the game,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff lamented following their 7-4 loss.

A comeback was still possible for the Buffalo Sabres until they made another mistake in the third period Saturday afternoon.

St. Louis has outscored opponents, 37-12, during its eight-game winning streak that included seven wins against West clubs and five wins at home.

Ovechkin has played 66 career games against the Sabres, totaling 41 goals and 68 points.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, for sure,” Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said.