The Canadiens bounced back in impressive fashion, taking Game 2 of their second round series against the Sabres, 5-1, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The teams now head to Bell Centre in Montreal for Games 3 and 4.
Montreal was handled easily by the Sabres in Game 2, but they responded with a 200-foot effort Friday, pressuring and forcing Sabres mistakes. Alex Newhook scored twice, the second creating a 3-0 second-period lead.
Zach Benson gave the Sabres (and the arena) some life by getting Buffalo within two with just 38 seconds remaining. Needing thenext goal, it instead went to Montreal, with Alexandre Carrier scoring unassisted just 3:54 into the third period:
Jakub Dobes, who had his worst game of the playoffs in Game 1, stopped 26 Sabres shots to earn the crucial win.
My take: The Sabres were flat on home ice and could not match the Canadiens' intensity. Buffalo relied on a couple multi-goal third-period comebacks against the Bruins, but the Habs are better — have to lead from the front or keep deficits to a single goal. A whole new world and environment awaits in Montreal.
THE ASYLUM
Habs bite back
The Canadiens bounced back in impressive fashion, taking Game 2 of their second round series against the Sabres, 5-1, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The teams now head to Bell Centre in Montreal for Games 3 and 4.
Montreal was handled easily by the Sabres in Game 2, but they responded with a 200-foot effort Friday, pressuring and forcing Sabres mistakes. Alex Newhook scored twice, the second creating a 3-0 second-period lead.
Zach Benson gave the Sabres (and the arena) some life by getting Buffalo within two with just 38 seconds remaining. Needing thenext goal, it instead went to Montreal, with Alexandre Carrier scoring unassisted just 3:54 into the third period:
Jakub Dobes, who had his worst game of the playoffs in Game 1, stopped 26 Sabres shots to earn the crucial win.
My take: The Sabres were flat on home ice and could not match the Canadiens' intensity. Buffalo relied on a couple multi-goal third-period comebacks against the Bruins, but the Habs are better — have to lead from the front or keep deficits to a single goal. A whole new world and environment awaits in Montreal.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!