Jan 22, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier (45) during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres pulled even closer to the Montreal Canadiens with 4-2 victory

Score: Sabres 4 | MTL 2

Shots: BUF 17 | MTL 34

Buffalo Sabres Goals:

Zucker (Quinn, McLeod)

Malenstyn (Samuelsson)

Benson (Helenius, Ostlund)

Krebs (Thompson)

Montreal Canadians Goals:

Caufield (Suzuki, Matheson)

Suzuki (Bolduc)

Final Thoughts

Similar to Tuesday’s game – dominant first, let them back in the second, great TO by Ruff to settle the guys

Kids line continues to play well

Shot totals have been low for a while but they’re cashing in when it matters, might need more volume if shooting success declines

Really solid job killing time late

Another Krebs empty netter

This game was eerily similar to what we witnessed on Tuesday. Buffalo jumped out to a multiple goal lead, saw their lead dwindle to one goal, and ultimately iced the game with a Payton Krebs empty net goal. If the game script works, why not try it again?

There were times it looked like it might slip away. Lindy Ruff’s timeout after Suzuki’s goal was excellent coaching to settle the team down in an adverse environment.

UPL was brilliant down the stretch to collect his 11th win of the season.  His offensive support was sufficient despite not generating many shots.

The Sabres have had consistently low shot totals lately, but they have cashed in when it matted. If their shooting success starts to dip, they will need to increase their shot volume.

The new “Kids Line” of Benson, Helenius, and Ostlund continues to impress. They are providing the kind of depth scoring that the team needs.

Lastly, there are games where Buffalo seems to hang on for dear life before icing the game with an empty netter. To their credit, they executed the trap well in the final minutes to kill the clock. Montreal wasn’t generating much until they pulled Montembeault.

Buffalo will look to wrap up their week on a high note with an afternoon visit to the New York Islanders on Saturday. Hopefully, they can keep the good times rolling.