Peyton Krebs scored an empty-net goal for the second consecutive game as the Buffalo Sabres secured a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Thursday. This victory marks the Sabres’ second win against the Canadiens in a week, with their previous meeting resulting in a Buffalo win last Thursday.
With this result, Buffalo moves to within two points of Montreal for third place in the Atlantic Division. The teams are scheduled to face each other one final time this season in Buffalo next Saturday.
The Sabres established an early lead with goals from Jason Zucker, Beck Malenstyn, and Zach Benson. However, Montreal responded by outshooting Buffalo 15-3 in the second period and narrowing the deficit with goals from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Following Suzuki’s goal, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff called a timeout to settle his team.
Krebs then sealed the game with an empty-net goal from center ice during the final minute of play. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 32 saves for Buffalo, stopping all nine shots he faced in the third period.
Buffalo has now started its five-game road trip with a 2-1-0 record and has posted a 17-3-1 mark over its last 21 games. Defenseman Jacob Bryson did not play in the third period due to an upper-body injury.
The Sabres will continue their road trip against the New York Islanders on Saturday afternoon, with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. on MSG and puck drop set for 1 p.m.
Scoring summary:
Period 1: Jason Zucker (BUF), Beck Malenstyn (BUF)
Period 2: Zach Benson (BUF), Cole Caufield (MTL), Nick Suzuki (MTL)
Period 3: Peyton Krebs (BUF)
