The Montreal Canadiens were in Buffalo on Friday night, hoping to tie the series with the Sabers before returning to Quebec.
It was one of the Habs' best games of the playoffs, an impressive effort resulting in a comfortable 5–1 win.
The Sabers allowed more hits than the Canadiens, but it was a case of the home team chasing for most of the game.
In every metric that mattered, the Canadiens were the better team.
Let's look at the highlights!
he is a boy
The Habs needed a strong start, a rare thing when examining their season, to avoid suffering another loss against a suffocating opponent.
Newfoundlander Alex Newhook scored his second goal of the playoffs less than two minutes into the first period, with assists from Caden Guhle and Lane Hutson. The latter, in particular, enjoyed an absolutely fantastic outing on Friday night.
Quick aim!
Alex Newhook tipped in a Guhle pass to make it 1-0. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Kju6PiXdEC
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 8 May 2026
Second
The Canadiens didn't rest on their laurels and doubled their lead moments later when Mike Matheson's excellent point shot found the back of the net.
All things considered, this was easily Montreal's best time in the playoffs. They were effective at 5v5, as shown by their 7–0 advantage in high-danger scoring chances.
This might even be Montreal's best time this season.
Make it 2-0!
Mike Matheson extended with a precise shot from the point #GoHabsGo lead! pic.twitter.com/tataTgmqIw
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 8 May 2026
Enlist you Newfoundlanders and follow me!
Newhook was not satisfied with his only goal.
He scored his third goal of the playoffs early in the second period, through a brilliant pass from veteran Jake Evans.
Given that Montreal's first line has struggled to generate anything resembling the offense it did in the regular season, it must be said that Montreal's depth players have done a great job of helping the Habs overcome a very difficult situation.
We also have to give full marks to Noah Dobson on this play, as he took a big hit to start the rush.
I am a boy!
Alex Newhook makes it 3-0 #GoHabsGo With his second goal of the game. pic.twitter.com/3OMQpD1Nmz
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 9 May 2026
dolly dagger
The Sabers ended Dobbs' shutout bid, leading to Zach Benson taunting the Canadiens netminder in what can only be described as a desperate attempt to throw him off his game.
But Dobbs lives for that type of thing.
Benson adopted only Greece.
Dobbs was born in this.
Molded by.
He lives to chirp, and chirps to live.
It's surprising, Or notBenson's whizzing effort did little more than boost the Habs' effort, not to mention a great goal by defenseman Alexandre Carrier to put his team up 4–1.
(editor's Note:The tweet below erroneously mentions "Logan Thompson". In fact, it was Sabers forward Tage Thompson.)
Alex Carrier makes it 4-1 #GoHabsGo After Logan Thompson's fall.
All Canadians in this. pic.twitter.com/b31wIilax1
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 9 May 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Sunday facing the Sabers at the Bell Center for Game 3. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
