Kyle Okposo’s power play goal with just 1:01 remaining turned out to be the game-winner, giving the Sabres three straight wins and a 6-4 record.
Okposo!!!!!!!! #Sabres pic.twitter.com/CkxEYGXrXM
— BuffaloHockeyCentral (@BHCdotcom) October 26, 2018
Buffalo dominated the game and pace throughout, out-shooting Montreal 42 to 22. The Sabres power play drove the team with two goals, a welcome change from last year’s struggles.
Jason Pominville was sensational with two goals and a great screen on the game-winner by Okposo.
Despite out-playing the Canadiens in the first period, Max Domi got Montreal on the board early with a great wrist shot 1:17 into the first period. It was his first of two goals on the night.
In the second period, Buffalo came in waves with the Sabres tying the game on a gorgeous Jeff Skinner pass to Pominville.
Jason Pominville gets the #Sabres on the board! pic.twitter.com/0iykddPPoD
— BuffaloHockeyCentral (@BHCdotcom) October 26, 2018
Skinner has been tremendous as the season has progressed and it’s hard not to get visions of Daniel Briere at points when watching him.
Former Sabre Joel Armia put Montreal back up at 2-1 on a wraparound, but Pominville scored again on the power play in front to end the second at 2-2.
The Sabres speed and creativity showed throughout. One of the pleasant improvements this year is the increase in shots by the Sabres. The only Sabre not to get a shot was Rasmus Dahlin.
Despite Max Domi’s second goal of the game, the Sabres rallied back with Sam Reinhart being rewarded with his first goal of the year on a bouncing puck that he one-timed in front.
Good things happen when you plant yourself in front of the net! Reinhart gets the monkey off his back! TIE GAME! #Sabres pic.twitter.com/Vdxpg19PRo
— BuffaloHockeyCentral (@BHCdotcom) October 26, 2018
The Sabres then closed the game by drawing a late tripping penalty and Okposo blasting a one timer front the point to give the Sabres a 4-1 victory. Dahlin had the the assist on the goal.
Jake McCabe had perhaps his best game as a Sabre, being all over the ice, making plays, and setting up a lot of chances.
At 6-4, the Sabres will finish no worse then 6-6 for the month of October, the first time they have been .500 or better since 2011-12. Additionally the Sabres deserve a lot of credit for coming home off a long road trip and looking so prepared to play. Phil Housley received his fair share of criticism last year for the team’s energy and play, but it is noticeable how different Buffalo is this year
Buffalo returns to the ice on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m.