Score: Sabres 2 | Canadiens 4
Shots: BUF 32 | MTL 31
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Jiri Kulich (2), Tyson Kozak (1)
Montreal Canadiens Goals: Oliver Kapanen (4), Juraj Slafkovsky (3), Lane Hutson (1), Jake Evans (1-EN)
Minus-1: First Period Flounder
With an even three shots on goal for both teams in the first half of the opening period, Montreal struck first after some defensive mistakes in the Sabres’ zone to take the first lead of the game, 1-0. Overall, the first period highlighted the speed of Montreal and Buffalo’s inability, for the most part, to keep up. Perhaps the most exciting part for Buffalo fans to watch was Zach Metsa’s first trip to the NHL penalty box following a scrum behind Canadiens’ goaltender Jakub Dobes.
Plus-1: A Timely Response
The Sabres responded to the Canadiens’ first period goal with one of their own following the first intermission. It looked as though the home team would score another unanswered goal with much of the play near Alex Lyon (who, by the way, looked solid again tonight). However, it was Jiri Kulich who finally got Buffalo on the board following a Montreal turnover to the right of Dobes. Kulich’s second goal of the season – a quick backhand – came after a nice pass from Zach Benson to tie the game.
Minus-2: Deja Vu
Despite Lyon standing on his head for most of this game, Montreal scored their second goal early in the third period and snatched the lead back once again. Still struggling to keep up, the Sabres had trouble maintaining puck possession, which was especially evident when Nick Suzuki capitalized in the Sabres’ zone. He found his open man in Noah Dobson, who fed the puck to winger Juraj Slafkovsky for the 2-1 lead. Their lead extended to 3-1 a few minutes later after Owen Power and Jason Zucker misplayed the puck in the Sabres’ zone.
Plus-2: Tage Rage
While the Sabres had a disheartening and, quite frankly, embarrassing first few games of the season, their effort has really taken a turn for the better in their last few matchups. In addition to solid goaltending and offensive efforts, the Sabres also showed some grit tonight with their physicality on both ends of the ice but especially behind Montreal’s net. So far this season, it has been Tage Thompson jumping in any time his teammates are targeted by the opposing team and tonight was no exception. As Rasmus Dahlin was attacked from behind, Thompson quickly made both his presence and stance known:
Final Thoughts
Tonight was disappointing because, even though there were bouts of struggle, the Sabres played pretty well. Did they score on the power play? No, but their penalty kill was solid and they showed a much more physical side than we have been used to during this never-ending drought. They also did not roll over after each Montreal goal and they could have easily bounced back to win or at least earn one point – a point that can often make or break a playoff appearance come spring. Unfortunately, the Canadiens’ empty net goal sealed the deal to hand Buffalo their fourth loss of the season.