Canadiens 3-1 Sabres (Oct 23, 2023) Game Recap

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jake Allen’s standout performance and a clutch goal by Brendan Gallagher propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Allen’s 36 saves were pivotal in securing the Canadiens’ second consecutive win. Justin Barron and Tanner Pearson also contributed to Montreal’s goal tally.

“He definitely did his job tonight,” Pearson praised Allen. “He was a big reason why we won.”

Although the Sabres controlled the majority of the game, outshooting Montreal 37-27, their efforts failed to translate into goals on the scoreboard. Jeff Skinner managed to score the lone goal for Buffalo. Goaltender Eric Comrie made 24 saves.

“This team and this group will score,” Sabres coach Don Granato assured. “Yeah, it’s frustrating tonight. You had numerous chances that they didn’t convert on. … We know we have goal scorers in here and guys that will make plays. I just think that’ll come.”

Allen’s most crucial save occurred during a penalty kill with 8:32 remaining. Canadiens defenseman David Savard valiantly blocked two consecutive shots, even losing a skate blade in the process. Allen exhibited his prowess by stopping a Skinner shot with his glove from the right circle.

“I feel like (Savard) does it every night,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis remarked. “He doesn’t lose his blade like that every night. Savvy’s a hockey player. There’s a big difference between someone who plays hockey and a hockey player, and Savvy’s showing that game in and game out that he’s a hockey player. You can’t have too many of those guys. That’s what he does.”

Gallagher secured the go-ahead goal for Montreal early in the third period by capitalizing on a loose puck in the crease and maneuvering it through Comrie’s legs.

Pearson provided the Canadiens with a two-goal lead late in the game, converting a close-range one-timer on the power play.

Barron kickstarted the scoring for Montreal in the first period with a one-timer from the right circle. He capitalized on a rebound, marking his first goal of the season.

Skinner equalized for the Sabres on a power play just over four minutes later, deftly lifting the puck into the top of the net from a challenging angle. Since joining the Sabres in 2018, Skinner has amassed 13 goals and 11 assists against the Canadiens in 14 games.

In the second period, the Sabres generated numerous offensive opportunities, but Allen thwarted all 17 shots.

“We had some chances, a lot from outside,” Skinner admitted. “We just needed a little bit more urgency, I think … it doesn’t matter unless you score, so we’ve got to find a way to do that.”

LEVI UPDATE

Buffalo goaltender Devon Levi, who started in each of the team’s first four games, missed his second consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. Sabres coach Don Granato disclosed that Levi is unlikely to play in Tuesday’s game against Ottawa but is expected to make a prompt return. Rookie Zach Benson also sat out the game due to a lower-body injury.

UP NEXT

The Canadiens will commence a three-game homestand on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils.

The Sabres will face off against Ottawa on Tuesday night.

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