MONTREAL — Jeff Skinner delivered an exceptional performance for the Buffalo Sabres, contributing a goal and three assists in their commanding 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Thursday.
Skinner’s efforts were pivotal in Buffalo’s offensive dominance (16-19-4), particularly on the power play, where the team went 2-for-4. Tage Thompson also had an impressive night with two goals and an assist. Other contributors included Casey Mittelstadt, Jack Quinn, and Rasmus Dahlin, each adding a goal and an assist, while Alex Tuch provided two assists.
Reflecting on the win, Skinner emphasized the collective effort, noting, “When your line plays well, the individuals are going to have success.”
In the net for Buffalo, Devon Levi made 32 saves. His performance was especially meaningful as the game marked his first NHL game in Montreal, his hometown, earning him the First Star of the game. Levi cherished the special moment, crediting his team for a solid defensive display and an outstanding power play.
For Montreal (16-17-5), which has lost four of its last five games, Joel Armia managed to score, and Jake Allen made 32 saves. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly in penalty killing and overall gameplay.
The game’s key moments included Mittelstadt’s opening power-play goal at 5:33 of the second period, followed by Skinner’s snap shot to double the lead. Armia briefly narrowed the gap for Montreal with a short-handed goal, but Buffalo’s relentless offense, led by Quinn, Thompson, and Dahlin, continued to pile on the goals, eventually securing a comfortable 6-1 victory.
Dahlin’s unique empty-net goal from his own goal line and Thompson’s final score on a 2-on-1 rush with Skinner capped off a night where the Sabres displayed their scoring prowess.
Both Dahlin and Suzuki received nods for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game on the same day, highlighting their individual talents amidst the team dynamics.
Skinner, with a commendable record of 46 points in 41 games against Montreal for Buffalo and the Carolina Hurricanes, continues to be a significant threat to the Canadiens, tying with Auston Matthews for the second-most goals against them by an active player.
The Sabres’ comprehensive win showcased their offensive capabilities and resilience, setting a high bar for their upcoming games.
UP NEXT
The Sabres look forward to continuing their momentum, while the Canadiens aim to regroup and address their recent struggles in upcoming fixtures.
