Experience the excitement as Cole Caufield leads a stunning Montreal comeback! Discover how the Canadiens snapped the Sabres’ winning streak in this high-stakes NHL showdown filled with grit, skill, and clutch goals.
The NHL season is hitting its peak, and Saturday night provided a masterpiece of momentum swings. Just when it looked like Buffalo would continue their dominance, the Montreal Canadiens flipped the script. Led by a relentless offensive push, the Canadiens rally past Sabres in a game that proved no lead is safe.
Key Game Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Montreal Canadiens 4, Buffalo Sabres 2 |
| Star Performer | Cole Caufield (2 Goals, 1 Assist) |
| Goaltending | Jakub Dobes (36 Saves) |
| Key Milestone | Slafkovsky passes Henri Richard for career goals by age 21 |
| Winning Streak | Montreal (3 games); Buffalo (Streak of 5 ended) |
A High-Stakes Showdown in Buffalo
The atmosphere at KeyBank Center was electric as two of the Atlantic Division’s most competitive squads faced off. Canadiens rally past Sabres The Buffalo Sabres entered the night riding a wave of confidence with a five-game winning streak, while Montreal was looking to prove they belong in the elite conversation.
The game started with Montreal showing their teeth early. Juraj Slafkovsky opened the scoring on a power play, burying a saucer pass from Nick Suzuki. It was a goal that didn’t just put Montreal ahead; it made history. Canadiens rally past Sabres Slafkovsky moved into second place for the most goals by a Canadiens player aged 21 or younger, a feat that highlights the incredible youth movement happening in Montreal.
The Sabres Strike Back
Lindy Ruff’s Buffalo squad didn’t climb the standings by accident. They responded with a physical and disciplined second period. Canadiens rally past Sabres Owen Power tied the game with a deceptive wrist shot, and Noah Ostlund gave Buffalo the lead late in the second.
At that point, it felt like the Sabres had the game under control. After all, they entered the night with a staggering 24-1-0 record when leading after two periods. However, they hadn’t accounted for a motivated Montreal locker room determined to ensure the Canadiens rally past Sabres before the final horn.
Cole Caufield Takes Over the Third Period
The final frame belonged to one man: Cole Caufield. Often labeled as a “perimeter” goal scorer, Caufield silenced critics by getting into the “dirty areas” of the ice. Canadiens rally past Sabres His first goal of the period came from a gritty redirection in the slot, showing a new layer of evolution in his game.
Just minutes later, Caufield struck again. Capitalizing on a cross-slot pass from Suzuki, he lifted a snap shot into the top corner, leaving the Buffalo defense stunned. This wasn’t just a lucky bounce; it was a clinical display of finishing. By the time Oliver Kapanen sealed the win with an empty-netter, it was clear that the Canadiens rally past Sabres was the result of pure determination and tactical adjustments by coach Martin St. Louis.
Jakub Dobes Stands Tall
While the goal scorers get the headlines, goaltender Jakub Dobes was the unsung hero. Making 36 saves against a high-powered Buffalo offense is no small feat. Dobes extended his personal point streak to nine games, providing the kind of stability Montreal needs to make a serious push before the upcoming Olympic break.
The Sabres, despite the loss, played a competitive game. Alex Lyon’s 10-game personal winning streak may have ended, but Buffalo remains a formidable threat. As Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin noted, sometimes the bounces just don’t go your way, but for Montreal, those “bounces” were earned through hard work.
Conclusion
The victory in Buffalo marks a turning point for Montreal. By beating Vegas, Colorado, and now Buffalo in a single week, they have sent a message to the rest of the league. As the Canadiens rally past Sabres, they don’t just take home two points; they take home the confidence that they can compete with anyone, anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who scored the winning goal for Montreal?
Cole Caufield scored the go-ahead goal at 10:13 of the third period, which ultimately served as the game-winner before the empty-net insurance goal.
2. What record did Juraj Slafkovsky break?
Slafkovsky scored his 63rd career goal, passing the legendary Henri Richard for the second-most goals by a Montreal player at age 21 or younger.
3. How long was the Buffalo Sabres’ winning streak before this game?
The Sabres had won five games in a row before the Canadiens rally past Sabres ended their run on Saturday.
4. How has Cole Caufield’s playing style changed this season?
Coach Martin St. Louis noted that Caufield has evolved from a “perimeter” player to someone who plays inside the slot and around the net, making him much harder to defend.
5. What is the next big milestone for the Canadiens?
The team is focused on a “final push” of games before the upcoming Olympic break to solidify their standing in the playoff race.
