Buffalo almost looks unrecognizable as they dominate in Montreal.
Score: Sabres 6 | Canadiens 1
Shots: BUF 38 | MON 33
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Casey Mittelstadt (11-PP), Jeff Skinner (16-PP), Jack Quinn (4), Tage Thompson (11, 12), Rasmus Dahlin (11-EN)
Montreal Canadiens Goals: Joel Armia (5-SH)
Plus 1: Levi Kept First Period Competitive
In his first game played as an NHL goaltender in his hometown of Montreal, Devon Levi shined in the first period (and, as it later turns out, the entire game). After a bit of a slow start from the Sabres, Levi made some impressive saves post to post and snared some rebounds that could have easily ended in goals for the home team. Levi managed 15 saves on 15 shots in the opening period – though it felt like more – to keep his club competitive going into the second period.
Even though Buffalo had some good opportunities (and hit two posts), it was not until the latter half of the opening 20 minutes that they seemed to come alive, even killing a penalty and showing some grit. Levi coming out strong definitely played a part in how the remainder of the game went for the Sabres. Spoiler alert: it went very well.
Plus 2: Coach’s Challenge
After a faceoff loss by the Sabres (no surprise there), Montreal capitalized on some solid puck control and Joel Armia buried the puck after a quick wrister in front of the net. It looked as though the Sabres would suffer yet another failure to score first. However, following some quick thinking from Buffalo’s coaching staff, Don Granato challenged the goal as forward Michael Pezzetta was shown interfering with Levi’s play. Granato won the coach’s challenge and the scoreboard would remain 0-0 if only for a few extra minutes.
Plus 3: A Power Play Goal? TWICE?!
Have we even had a ‘Plus-3′ on a recap this season? In any event, the Sabres finally scored on the power play thanks to Casey Mittelstadt, who has been one of the few consistent forwards this season. After Tage Thompson kept the puck in the Canadiens’ zone, he passed it to Rasmus Dahlin on the left side of goaltender Jake Allen. Jeff Skinner – being exactly in the right place at the right time – fed the puck quickly to Mittelstadt who easily found the back of the net. That is how you score with the man-advantage. Tic tac toe.
Just minutes later, following an interference penalty and Zemgus Girgensons slow to get to his feet, the Sabres capitalized on another power play. Their second goal of the game was almost a carbon copy of the first one, except on the opposite side of the net after some superb passing from Thompson and Alex Tuch to give Jeff Skinner his turn at a goal. Tic tac toe.
Minus 1: This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
On their fourth power play of the night, the Sabres looked like their usual selves – giving the puck away and essentially spoon-feeding a shorthanded goal to Montreal. This time, Armia’s goal would not be challenged and the scoreboard read 2-1. Luckily, it did not last too long.
Plus 4: Jack Attack
Buffalo was able to regain their two-goal lead after a beautiful goal by forward Jack Quinn following a backhand pass from linemate JJ Peterka. What was especially noticeable during this game was how the Sabres managed to score: without an exorbitant amount of passing. They consistently skated into Montreal’s zone, made quick decisions, took chances, and it worked in their favor.
It would work in their favor yet again with Skinner and Thompson tag-teaming a goal just a few minutes later to give the Sabres their first three-goal lead in what felt like eons. Skinner is now fourth in all-time goal scorers for Buffalo against Montreal after Gilbert Perreault, Richard Martin, and Pat LaFontaine, respectively, with 15 goals.
Final Thoughts
Leading up to tonight, the Sabres had won a total of 134 games against the Canadiens. They now find themselves with 135, and honestly, this was one of the more fun games to watch this season. Passing was clean, decisions were made quickly to capitalize on offensive chances, and Levi was solid in net. Overall, this was exactly the kind of game Buffalo needed to try and gain some confidence for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, Rasmus Dahlin now has the most goals from a defenseman in the league and second-most empty net goals of any player in the NHL. Not too shabby for an All-Star.
Three Stars:
1. Devon Levi (33 SA, 1 GA)
2. Jeff Skinner (1G, 3A)
3. Tage Thompson (2G, 1A)
Honorable mention goes to Jack Quinn who has four goals in seven games since returning from his injury.
The Sabres head to Pittsburgh next to take on the Penguins Saturday night. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.
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