Montreal Canadiens defeat Sabres 5-1 in Game 2 to even second-round playoff series
Posted May 8, 2026 9:52 pm.
Last Updated May 9, 2026 12:11 am.
Alex Newhook had two goals, again providing Montreal with some much-needed secondary scoring, and the Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-1 on Friday night to even their second-round playoff series at one game apiece.
Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier and Nick Suzuki, with an empty-netter, also scored for the Canadiens. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 27 saves, and Montreal extended its trend of alternating wins and losses after doing so in a seven-game first-round series win over Tampa Bay.
Montreal advanced to the second round on Newhook’s game-winner 11:07 into the third period of a 2-1 series-clinching win on Sunday. Meantime, the Canadiens’ top offensive threats continue to struggle. Cole Caufield extended his point drought to five games, while Juraj Slafkovsky has one assist in his past eight outings.
Zach Benson scored for Buffalo, but Alex Lyon allowed four goals on 27 shots. He previously allowed seven goals in six-plus appearances since replacing Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who was was pulled after two periods in a 4-2 loss to Boston in Game 2 of their first-round series.
Canadiens return home after splitting first two games in Buffalo
Game 3 is set for Sunday with live coverage beginning on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. / 4 p.m. PT.
It’ll be the Canadiens’ first trip home after being on the road since traveling to Tampa Bay last weekend. The team stayed in Florida for two days before flying directly to Buffalo on Tuesday.
The Sabres dropped to 2-3 at home this postseason, but they won all three games — including the Game 6 series clincher — at Boston.
Montreal flips the script after slow start in series opener
After falling behind 2-0 in the first period of Game 1, Montreal flipped the script.
Peyton Krebs’ turnover in Buffalo’s zone led to Newhook scoring at 1:36 by sneaking a shot under Lyon’s blocker arm. Matheson scored 2:51 later by floating in a shot from the left point that beat Lyon over his right shoulder.
Buffalo’s power play came up empty on five chances after going 2 for 3 in Game 1. The Sabres have converted just three of 32 power-play opportunities this postseason.
Newhook’s second goal, scored 4:47 into the second period, came four seconds after the Sabres’ power play failed to register a shot with Carrier off for hooking.
Carrier’s goal 3:54 into the third was emblematic of Buffalo’s evening. With the Sabres buzzing the Montreal net, Tage Thompson kept the puck in at the right point only to lose his balance and spin down to the ice. Carrier picked up the loose puck and scored to put Montreal up 4-1.
Benson whiffed on a tip-in chance two minutes later. In the first period, Buffalo’s Alex Tuch had the puck roll off his stick while attempting a shot breaking up the right wing, and Jack Quinn shot over the top of the net after being set up alone in the slot.
‘This is the best atmosphere ever’: Fans celebrate Canadiens’ Game 2 win
Inside L’espace 1909 in downtown Montreal, fans packed the venue to watch the Canadiens bounce back with a decisive win before the series shifts to Montreal for Game 3.
Supporters waved rally towels, chanted throughout the night and celebrated each goal as the atmosphere grew louder with every period.
Among the crowd were a father and son visiting from Zurich, Switzerland, who said their trip to Montreal revolved around the Canadiens.
“We are big fans of the Canadiens,” the father said. “We’ve come to this beautiful city, and this team is awesome.”
The son said attending Sunday’s game with his father will be especially meaningful.
“It’s really special because I grew up with him,” he said. “I watched all the games in Switzerland, and it’s special, and now seeing it live on Sunday is very cool.”
He added that Montreal’s hockey culture stands out unlike anywhere else.
“The fans are very special,” he said. “I think nowhere else are the fans this loud and this cool.”
Other fans inside the venue celebrated the Canadiens’ strong response after the Game 1 loss.
“Great win,” one man said.
“Suzuki’s the GOAT. Lane Hutson — that’s my precious,” another fan added.
“Incredible. That was electric,” one woman said.
“Tremendous win. What a domination by the Habs,” another fan said. “Offensively, defensively, Dobeš was awesome. What a game. It was just perfect.”
“This is the best atmosphere ever. I love Montreal. Habs for life,” another supporter added. “Let’s go Canadiens, baby.”
“I’m very happy. Go Habs Go!” one fan said. “They played very well. I’m very proud of them.”
“It was an amazing victory,” another supporter said. “They played really well, better than the last game, and I’m just really happy to be here.”
“It was a very good game. Better than the first one,” another fan said.
“I’m feeling great. It was a great game,” one supporter said while chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” with friends.
“Honestly, best game so far in the playoffs. Genuinely,” another fan said.
“100 per cent — we’re finishing this in five games,” another added.
