The Montreal Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabers on Sunday night, attempting to establish a 2-1 series lead at the Bell Centre.
It was another impressive game from the Habs, resulting in a 6-2 win, a win that could change the entire makeup of a playoff series.
Let's look at the highlights!
Newfoundland Power
As we discussed in the game preview, Montreal's depth players are doing wonders to make up for the lack of attack from the first line, and one of the most important Canadiens in that regard is none other than Alex Newhook.
The speedy winger scored his fourth goal of the playoffs to tie the game at the end of the first period. It was also an important goal as the Habs were the better team in the first period, but were at risk entering the first intermission with a goal deficit.
Newhook gets the bell center bumpin 🚨
Sabres-Canadiens all set deal on ESPN and the ESPN app 👀 pic.twitter.com/0jHSHEaOqo
- ESPN (@espn) 10 May 2026
star power
Another topic we discussed in the preview was the possibility that Juraj Slafkowski or Cole Caufield would find their offensive rhythm, making the Habs a team that no longer relies solely on first-line or depth players, but on both.
They are a dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.
On that note, Caufield scored his second springtime goal after a tremendous deke by phenom Lane Hutson, giving the Canadiens a nice 2-1 lead.
Cole Coffield scored after a great layup by Lane Hutson. #GoHabsGo Up 2-1. pic.twitter.com/0V4tKkOsd3
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
You could argue that the Canadiens were robbed of a third goal when Philippe Danault was accused of interference on Lyon without any evidence.
The puck definitely went into the net. pic.twitter.com/DTzfp8Zodf
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
back to depth
Rather than rest on their accomplishments, the Habs continued to press the game, resulting in a 3–1 lead when Joe Veleno beat his opponent to set up Zachary Bolduc for his second goal of the playoffs.
Once again, depth players made significant contributions, which is a recurring theme for the Canadiens.
Joe Veleno -> Zac Bolduc.
3-1 #GoHabsGo. They dominate this game. pic.twitter.com/TXqdm5IiSh
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
Dobe's Revenge
At this point in the game, the Sabers decided to increase foul play, culminating with the apparent intent to injure netminder Jacob Dobbs.
Beck Malensteen skated into Dobbs without attempting to make a break, however, the Canadiens goaltender simply shook off, and managed to stay in the game.
Beck Malensteen ran him at full speed in an attempt to injure Jacob Dobbs.
No attempt to stop.
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
He got a 2-minute penalty. pic.twitter.com/OOXGECxjl0
The Canadiens only got a two-minute power play due to a dirtbag play, but that was long enough for Slafkowski to tip in a Hutson point shot, giving the home team a 4–1 lead.
You'll notice that Dobbs made sure to thank the Sabers for the opportunity to score on the man advantage.
laugh out loud
Dobbs takes a little skate to thank the Buffalo bench after Slafkowski powerplay goal.
Classic. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/fjOyWZMyWn
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
icing on the cake
To put a nice mark on the entire team effort, Dach restored Montreal's three-goal lead midway through the third period.
At a glance, it might not have seemed like a very important goal, but it came after a push by Buffalo that resulted in some high-danger chances. Dobbs was up to the task, but it couldn't be denied that the pressure from the road team was mounting.
Jacob Dobbs made some key saves and then Kirby Dach took the lead with his fourth playoff score. #GoHabsGo 5-2 lead. pic.twitter.com/T1Mt7LrGU2
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
perfection
The Sabers got their goal with about five minutes remaining in the third period, which was a logical choice given the 5–2 scoreline.
However, Newhook managed to foul out Rasmus Dahlin shortly after, securing another two-goal game for the Newfoundlander. As an added bonus, his mother was in the crowd to watch her son steal the show at the Bell Center.
Alex Newhook's mom was in the crowd to watch her son score two goals in a row #GoHabsGo.
Bonus: Dobbs' premature celebration at the end, haha pic.twitter.com/t5rI5p0QQj
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 11 May 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday facing the Sabers at the Bell Center for Game 4. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

