| Game Summary |
Final Score:
Buffalo Sabres 5, Montreal Canadiens 7
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Sabres 18 – Canadiens 23
- Power Play Goals: Sabres 1/4 – Canadiens 2/6
Date and Location:
November 11th, 2024, at Key Bank Center
| Quick Recap |
The Buffalo Sabres battled hard but ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens in a wild 7-5 game at KeyBank Center. After conceding an early goal to Montreal’s Josh Anderson, the Sabres quickly responded with a goal from Tage Thompson to tie it 1-1 in the first. The second period saw Buffalo grab the lead twice, thanks to goals from Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs, but Montreal’s Nick Suzuki scored twice in the final minute, sending the Canadiens ahead 4-3 going into the third.
The Sabres started the third with backup goaltender Devon Levi after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen struggled in the first two periods. Rasmus Dahlin and JJ Peterka scored quickly in the opening minutes, putting Buffalo up 5-4, but Montreal stormed back with three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to secure the 7-5 victory. The Sabres also faced setbacks as both Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson left the game with injuries, adding to the challenge of an already tough night.
| Period-by-Period Breakdown |
First Period Highlights:
The Sabres found themselves in an early hole against the Montreal Canadiens after a defensive lapse allowed Josh Anderson to break through solo, putting the Canadiens up 1-0. But Buffalo didn’t let that setback linger; just 28 seconds later, Tage Thompson responded in style, evening the score to make it 1-1. They also had the period’s lone power play but couldn’t capitalize, leaving the game tied as they headed to the first intermission.
First Period Goals:
Sabres:
- Tage Thompson (11) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: A. Tuch (9), U. Luukkonen (1)
Canadiens:
- Josh Anderson (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: C. Dvorak (5), B. Gallagher (2)
First Period Penalties:
- 12:39 – Canadiens: Arber Xhekaj High-sticking against Jack Quinn
Second Period Highlights:
The Sabres found themselves in familiar territory to start the second period, giving up the first goal as Canadiens’ leading scorer Cole Caufield tallied his 11th of the season on the power play. Yet, Buffalo struck back quickly. Just 19 seconds later, Dylan Cozens deflected a Rasmus Dahlin shot, leveling the score at 2-2. The Sabres soon took their first lead of the night, with Peyton Krebs finishing off a 2-on-1 with a sharp snap shot to make it 3-2.
However, Montreal responded fiercely before the period closed. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored twice in the final minute, putting the Habs back on top, 4-3, heading into the third. The Sabres’ struggles didn’t end there, as key players Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson exited the game with injuries and will not return, casting a shadow over an already challenging night in Montreal.
Both Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson will not return today's game (lower body).
— Buffalo Sabres PR (@SabresPR) November 11, 2024
Second Period Goals:
Sabres:
- Dylan Cozens (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: R. Dahlin (10), A. Tuch (10) - Peyton Krebs (2) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: B. Byram (7), O. Power (8)
Canadiens:
- Cole Caufield (11) (PPG) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: L. Hutson (9), N. Suzuki (10) - Nick Suzuki (5) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Slafkovsky (8), K. Dach (5) - Nick Suzuki (6) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Slafkovsky (9), K. Dach (6)
Second Period Penalties:
- 03:09 – Sabres: Jack Quinn Tripping against Cole Caufield
- 04:38 – Sabres: Bowen Byram Delaying Game – Puck over glass
- 07:44 – Canadiens: Juraj Slafkovsky Roughing against Zach Benson
- 07:44 – Sabres: Zach Benson Roughing against Juraj Slafkovsky
- 08:35 – Canadiens: Nick Suzuki Tripping against Rasmus Dahlin
- 11:56 – Sabres: Bowen Byram Interference against Cole Caufield
- 15:24 – Sabres: Connor Clifton Cross-checking against Kirby Dach
Third Period Highlights:
The Sabres opened the third period with backup goaltender Devon Levi between the pipes, after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen struggled, allowing 4 goals on 18 shots for a .778 save percentage. Buffalo responded quickly, determined to regain momentum. Rasmus Dahlin ignited the comeback with a power-play goal, and just moments later, JJ Peterka followed up at even strength to put the Sabres ahead 5-4.
However, Montreal wasn’t finished. The Canadiens rallied with three consecutive goals, including another power-play strike and a final empty-netter, to close out the game. Despite the Sabres’ resilience, they fell short in a 7-5 loss, ending the night in disappointment after a rollercoaster battle at home.
Third Period Goals:
Sabres:
- Rasmus Dahlin (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: D. Cozens (4) - JJ Peterka (7) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: O. Power (9)
Canadiens:
- Emil Heineman (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: L. Hutson (10) - Cole Caufield (12) (PPG) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Slafkovsky (10), M. Matheson (10) - Christian Dvorak (2) (EN) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Anderson (5), N. Suzuki (11)
Third Period Penalties:
- 01:49 – Canadiens: Jayden Struble Delaying Game – Puck over glass
- 04:42 – Canadiens: Josh Anderson High-sticking against Jordan Greenway
- 11:15 – Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin Elbowing against Jake Evans
- 12:58 – Sabres: Delaying Game – Unsuccessful challenge
| Three Stars of the Game|
- 1. Nick Suzuki G: 2 | A: 2 | P: 4
- 2. Juraj Slafkovsky G: 0 | A: 3 | P: 3
- 3. Cole Caufield G: 2 | A: 0 | P: 2
| Key Takeaways |
1. Quick Responses Show Resilience, But Defensive Breakdowns Prove Costly
The Sabres displayed impressive resilience by quickly answering Montreal’s goals, tying the game twice and even taking the lead early in the third period. Goals by Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Rasmus Dahlin, and JJ Peterka highlighted the team’s offensive potential and ability to capitalize on momentum. However, defensive lapses and penalty trouble ultimately led to costly goals by Montreal, as the Sabres struggled to maintain their lead, conceding three unanswered goals to end the game. This matchup highlighted the need for more consistent defensive play.
2. Injuries and Goalie Change Add Challenges in a Tough Loss
In addition to the defensive struggles, the Sabres faced new challenges with the loss of key players. Both Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson exited the game with lower-body injuries, leaving gaps in the lineup. Furthermore, starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was replaced by Devon Levi after giving up four goals on just 18 shots, a rare rough outing for Luukkonen. While Levi held his own, the constant lineup changes and a lack of stability in net were evident as the Sabres were unable to shut down Montreal’s final push.
| Postgame Interviews and Reactions |
We are live with head coach Lindy Ruff after today's game against Montreal. https://t.co/9a4cMVFA2C
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 11, 2024
|Next Game |
Next Game:
The Sabres will take on the St. Louis Blues (7-8-0) at Key Bank Center on Thursday, November 14th. Faceoff is at 7:30 PM; stay tuned for our pregame coverage to see what’s in store!
| Condensed Game Highlights |
| Final Thoughts and Call to Action |
What were your thoughts on tonight’s game? Share your insights and season predictions in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @SabresInsight for ongoing Sabres coverage, game analysis, and exclusive updates as the season unfolds. Be sure to check back regularly for more in-depth Sabres content!