Jan 31, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson (53) and Buffalo Sabres center Ryan McLeod (71) go after a loose puck during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Buffalo led after two periods but a wobbly third period allowed Montreal to win and overhaul them in the standings
Shots: MTL 31 | BUF 38
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
Power (Thompson, Dahlin)
Ostlund (Tuch, McLeod) (PPG)
Montreal Canadians Goals:
Slafkovsky (Suzuki, Caufield) (PPG)
Caufield (Dobson, Hutson)
Caufield (Suzuki, Dach)
Kapanen (Dobson) EN
Final Thoughts
This was a hard-fought game that, unfortunately, ended in a loss. The entire game was as close to a playoff battle that the team has seen in years. It may not have gone the way they wanted, but Buffalo cannot be disappointed with their performance. They were physical, aggressive, and met the moment.
As disappointing as the loss may be, it is not due to a lack of effort. This Sabres team is consistently in every game. They may not win every game, but they are in every game. This was not an off night. This was a night where their effort was there, but the bounces didn’t go their way.
Their season series against Montreal may be over, but the Sabres still have a chance to separate themselves from the other Atlantic division foes in upcoming games.