After watching the Sabres wait until the third period to start playing the last two games, I wasn't sure what to expect from them tonight. They quickly put my fears to rest with a fast start to the game. Clarke MacArthur scored only twice in November but started December with a goal just 2:28 after the opening faceoff.  That was just the beginning of an impressive 6-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens.

The first 40 minutes looked like the Sabres were playing against an AHL team as opposed to an actual NHL team. The Sabres led 4-0 just 25 minutes into the game and only allowed a late second period goal by Scott Gomex in the first 40 minutes. Making the domination even more aparent was the Sabres 29-8 advantage in shots on goal.

The Habs made it interesting in the third period by outworking the Sabres and getting some power play opportunities. Josh Gorges scored the Habs second goal and pulled them within 4-2 with over eight minutes left in the game. The Habs continued to put on pressure but Ryan Millerdid what he does best and made a couple of saves. Andrej Sekera scored his first goal of the game a couple of minutes later to seal the victory for the Sabres.

Miller Continues to be Miller

Ryan Miller was not tested too much in the first two periods with only eight shots on goal. He did not let the lack of work affect him. He was outstanding in the third period, stopping 14-of-15 Montreal shots and many of them were difficult stops. While the rest of the team took a bit of a breather it was Miller that kept the team ahead in the late going.

Miller has been the Sabres rock this season. He has played in every Sabres win this season and he figures to play again on Saturday against the Rangers.

Kennedy Gets Hometown Goal

It was just the other day we were talking about how exciting it would be when Tim Kennedy scored his first home goal and he did just that tonight. I'm sure he would have liked it to be a more important goal but I would guess that he will be getting quite a few more now that the elusive first goal is out of the way.

Kennedy has bee a solid player for the team all season and he had plenty of chances that he didn't finish. This should give Kennedy the confidence to start scoring more regularly. Kennedy has alos started to get some time with Thomas Vanek on his wing and that should help him wth some offense as well.

Streaking Sabres

Jochen Hecht had his two game goal streak snapped but he had an assist to extend his point streak to three games. Jason Pominville and Derek Roy also extended their point streaks to three games. Pominville had Roy both had a goal and an assist in the victory. Thomas Vanek had three assists as well for the Sabres.

The Sabres improved their win streak to four games with te win and they scored four or more goals in three of those wins. They have outscored their opponents 17-5 during the current four game winning streak.

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