Last season, the Buffalo Sabres struggled against the Montreal Canadiens, who swept the four-game series with three wins in regular time and one in overtime. Throughout these matchups, Montreal outscored Buffalo 21-11.
The opening game was a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The Canadiens initially took the lead in the second period, but the Sabres responded and briefly took control. Captain Nick Suzuki rallied Montreal by tying the game and later scoring two more goals to regain the lead. Buffalo came back strong in the third with two quick goals for a 5-4 advantage, but Montreal sealed the victory with three goals in the final 10 minutes, ending the game 7-5. This win demonstrated the Canadiens’ resilience and skill, proving they fought hard until the final whistle.
In other Canadiens news, Hatson was excluded from the Team USA Orientation Camp Invitation List, while Montembeault is well-positioned to make Team Canada. The team displayed dominance in their division, notably with a 6-1 victory over the Sabres, highlighted by Patrick Lane’s hat-trick, including three power-play goals. Despite Buffalo’s lack of discipline hindering them, Montreal’s penalty kill was flawless despite facing five penalties.
During March, the teams faced off twice more, with the Canadiens winning both games, including an overtime victory where Mike Matheson scored just 1:21 into the extra period. Since those games, Buffalo has undergone significant changes, but the results are uncertain. Notably, two of Buffalo’s top scorers against Montreal, Dylan Cozens (4 points) and JJ Peterka (5 points), were traded in the offseason.
Cozens moved to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard Docker, with Docker signing as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, Peterka was traded to the Utah Mammoth for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. Doan, selected in the second round and carrying an NHL heritage, remains relatively unproven with 28 points in 62 NHL games, while Norris adds experience with 239 NHL games and 158 points under his belt.
Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs in 14 years and seems to be struggling to retain star talent. They did secure Bowen Byram on a two-year deal, Ryan McLeod for four years, and brought in veteran goalie Alex Lyon, but these moves have yet to reverse their fortunes.
With general manager Kevyn Adams steering the team, expectations don’t look high for the Sabres this season, especially in New York. If young player Devon Levi fulfills his potential with a breakout year, Buffalo might show some progress. Otherwise, the Sabres are not expected to be serious playoff contenders, while the increasingly strong Canadiens are projected to dominate this season.
(Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Immagn Image)
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Fan Take: This update matters to hockey fans because it highlights the shifting power dynamics within the NHL’s Atlantic Division and the ongoing rebuilding process of a historically struggling Sabres team. As the Canadiens continue to strengthen their roster, their dominance could intensify rivalries and bring exciting, high-stakes hockey to fans this season.
