Montreal builds a two-goal lead before Buffalo rallies, but Alexandre Texier, Zachary Bolduc and the Canadiens prevail once again in the shootout.
The Montreal Canadiens are finding ways to win, even when they make things difficult for themselves.
Montreal defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4–3 in a shootout at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night, extending its winning streak to two games. But after building a 3–1 advantage, the Canadiens surrendered two quick goals in the third period and needed overtime and a shootout to secure the victory.
The result gives Montreal another two points in the standings, but the way the game unfolded raises important questions about the team’s ability to protect a lead and maintain its defensive structure under pressure. It followed Saturday’s 1-0 shootout win over Detroit, and you can read what we expected from this game in our Canadiens vs. Sabres preview.
A Strong Start Gives Montreal Control
Buffalo opened the scoring at 2:16 of the first period when defenseman Olen Zellweger found the net with a shot from the point. Montreal responded on a five-on-three power play, with Lane Hutson tying the game at 14:28.
Cole Caufield put the Canadiens ahead just 1:19 into the second period, finishing a setup from Juraj Slafkovsky. Late in the period, Josh Anderson extended the lead to 3–1 with assists from Hutson and Zachary Bolduc.
For much of the game, Montreal appeared to have the advantage. Hutson contributed on both the power play and at even strength, while Caufield provided the finishing touch that the Canadiens needed offensively.
However, a two-goal lead would not be enough to put Buffalo away.
Buffalo Fights Back in the Third Period
The biggest concern for Montreal came early in the third period.
Josh Norris cut the deficit to 3–2 at 4:24, and Zellweger scored his second goal of the night just 61 seconds later to tie the game. Suddenly, Montreal had lost its two-goal advantage, and Buffalo had new life.
The Sabres deserve credit for taking advantage of their opportunities. Zellweger, in particular, delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice in his first game against Montreal since joining Buffalo from Anaheim.
For the Canadiens, however, the quick turnaround raises a question: Why did Montreal struggle to protect its lead?
The two goals came in rapid succession, exposing the danger of allowing an opponent to build momentum. Against a team capable of generating offensive pressure, defensive discipline and communication become critical when protecting a lead.
Montreal survived the remainder of regulation and overtime. The Canadiens outshot the Sabres 38–17. Jacob Fowler stopped 14 of 17 shots (.824), while Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 of 38 (.921) to keep his team in the game.
Texier and Bolduc Deliver Again in the Shootout
Once again, the Canadiens found a way to win when the game came down to a shootout.
Caufield and Alexandre Texier scored on Montreal’s first two attempts, with Texier credited with the game-winning goal, and Zachary Bolduc added a third. Buffalo’s Tage Thompson was the only Sabres player to score, while Jack Quinn was unable to beat Fowler.
Bolduc had also scored the deciding goal in Montreal’s previous shootout victory against Detroit.
The ability of Montreal’s shooters to deliver in these situations is an encouraging sign for the Canadiens. At the same time, Montreal cannot depend on shootouts to rescue games in which it has surrendered a late lead.
The objective must be to close out games in regulation whenever possible.
The Bigger Picture: A Rivalry Renewed
This matchup carried significance beyond the two points in the standings.
Montreal and Buffalo met for the first time since their dramatic seven-game second-round playoff series last spring. The Canadiens advanced when Alex Newhook scored in overtime of Game 7, ending Buffalo’s playoff run.
That history added another dimension to the teams’ first meeting of the new season. Both clubs have ambitions of building on their recent playoff appearances, and their early-season performances will be important indicators of how quickly they can establish consistency.
The teams are also scheduled to meet again in Montreal on Saturday, giving Buffalo an opportunity to respond quickly.
For Montreal, the challenge is to turn close victories into more complete performances.
What This Means for the Canadiens
There are encouraging signs in this performance, but also areas that deserve attention.
The positives:
- Lane Hutson contributed a goal and an assist.
- Cole Caufield also finished with a goal and an assist.
- Juraj Slafkovsky recorded two assists.
- Montreal outshot Buffalo 38–17.
- Alexandre Texier scored the shootout winner.
- Montreal found a way to win despite losing its two-goal lead.
- Zachary Bolduc continued his strong performance in shootouts.
The concerns:
- Montreal surrendered two goals in just 61 seconds.
- The Canadiens failed to protect a 3–1 lead.
- Buffalo generated enough pressure to force overtime despite missing captain Rasmus Dahlin.
- Montreal needed a shootout to secure the victory.
The Canadiens are collecting points, and that matters early in the season. But their ability to maintain control when leading will be an important part of their development.
The next challenge arrives quickly.
Next Up: Canadiens Visit the Washington Capitals
Montreal travels to Washington on Wednesday to face the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Check the Lineup Tonight page for the latest lines and goaltenders.
The quick turnaround leaves little time to recover physically or correct the mistakes from Tuesday’s game. The Canadiens will need to manage their energy, tighten their defensive play and avoid giving Washington opportunities to build momentum.
After consecutive shootout victories, the question is whether Montreal can produce a more complete performance and earn a win without needing extra time.
The bottom line: Montreal gets the two points, but the third-period collapse is a reminder that winning and playing a complete game are not always the same thing.
The Canadiens will need both if they want to establish themselves as a consistent team this season.
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