For the first time in the 2026 NHL playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens won with breathing space when they dominated the Buffalo Sabres Friday night, winning 5-1 to even the second-round series at one game apiece. It was the first time coach Martin St-Louis didn’t win by a one-goal margin in the playoffs. Again, Montreal did not need the skills of their top line, but were helped by solid performances from the second line and defence to put away Buffalo. “I feel like we played with more fire, with more effort and I feel like we’re getting used to the series,” said goalie Jakub Dobes. “We are going to keep improving and I’m excited to go back home.” Solid from the jump Montreal flew out of the gates at the KeyBank Center with Alex Newhook scoring his first of two of the night a minute and a half into the game. Mike Matheson got onto the boxscore under three minutes later as the Habs inhaled the rarified air of a two-goal lead in a playoff game. Unlike in the first game, the visitors did not let the Sabres back into the game, and Newhook added one at 4:47 of the second. Buffalo’s Zach Benson was able to pull one back with 38 seconds left in the second frame to set up the third. Defenceman Alexandre Carrier made the most of an opportunity just under five minutes into the third when he picked Tage Thompson’s pocket on the point, skated the length of the ice and snapped home his first goal of the playoffs. Captain Nick Suzuki added an empty net goal with four minutes to go in the game to make it an even five for the visitors. Dobes thoroughly outplayed his counterpart, Alex Lyon, in the opposing net. The rookie Czech shotstopper saved 29 of 30 shots, and skated away with a .967 save percentage. “They are such a skilled team and they have so much talent on that team, so limiting them in space and rushes always helps,” said Dobes. “I feel like we improved a lot from game one.” The two teams meet again for Game 3 at the Bell Centre on Sunday. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
