Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Once again, the Buffalo Sabres fell behind early and were not able to overcome their deficit, losing 3-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night at KeyBank Center.
A rebound chance early in the first period was converted by Montreal to give the Canadiens a 1-0 lead. Justin Barron moved down from the blue line to find the loose puck, and buried his shot into the net for his first goal of the season.
The score came just under three minutes into the contest.
Jeff Skinner wasted little time taking advantage of a power play opportunity in the opening period, evening the score for Buffalo. The forward's third goal of the season came with Brendan Gallagher in the penalty box for tripping. Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens were credited with the assists on the special teams goal that made the score 1-1.
Buffalo had a second power play chance thanks to a too many men on the ice minor called on the Canadiens.
The Sabres outshot Montreal 7-4 in the opening 20 minutes. Eric Comrie made the start for a second-straight game, stopping three shots in the first period.
Both teams had power play opportunities in the second period, but could not take advantage. Kyle Okposo was called for the lone Sabres penalty of the period, which was a slashing minor late in the frame.
Buffalo also had a carry over power play chance with a man advantage with under a minute remaining in the second.
Once again, the Sabres outshot Montreal in the second period, as they were credited with 15 shots to the Canadiens' 10 shots.
Gallagher poked at the glove of Comrie early in the third period, knocking the puck loose and giving the Canadiens their second lead of the night, 2-1. The on-ice officials briefly huddled to discuss the play, but upheld the call on the ice.
Montreal's goal came less than four minutes into the frame.
The Canadiens doubled their lead to 3-1 with just over three minutes remaining in regulation on the power play. Tanner Pearson connected after some quick passing by Gallagher and Alex Newhook helped set up the forward in the slot for a one-time shot.
Jake Allen made 36 saves to preserve the victory for Montreal. The Canadiens converted on one of their three power play chances, while the Sabres went 1-for-5 on the man advantage in the defeat.
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GAME RECAP
Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 7:13 - Jeff Skinner (3) PPG (Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin)
MTL: 2:56 - Justin Barron (1) (Arber Xhekaj, Sean Monahan)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
MTL: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
MTL: 3:31 - Brendan Gallagher (2) (David Savard, Tanner Pearson); 16:53 - Tanner Pearson (3) PPG (Brendan Gallagher, Alex Newhook)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 14:51 - Peyton Krebs (Boarding - 2 min.)
MTL: 7:05 - Brendan Gallagher (Tripping - 2 min.); 17:06 - TEAM (Too many men on the ice - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 14:47 - Kyle Okposo (Slashing - 2 min.)
MTL: 5:42 - Arber Xhekaj (Roughing - 2 min.); 19:04 - Justin Barron (Cross-checking - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: 14:57 - Alex Tuch (Cross-checking - 2 min.)
MTL: 10:16 - Sean Monahan (Tripping - 2 min.)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jake Allen - MTL
2.) Brendan Gallagher - MTL
3.) Jeff Skinner - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres have no time to relax, as they will head right to Ottawa to face the Senators on Tuesday night. The teams will drop the puck at 6:45 p.m. ET from the Canadian Tire Centre with pregame coverage on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550 - beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.