Montreal, Quebec (WGR) - The Buffalo Sabres are back at Bell Centre to face the Montrea Canadiens for the second time this week. It is also the fourth straight game against an Atlantic Division opponent for Buffalo.
The Sabres were able to score first when Konsta Helenius fed Josh Norris with a pass in front of the net.
Always stick with it! 🚨#LetsGoBuffalo https://t.co/NwX2ADezYx
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 17, 2026
It was Norris' second goal of the season and the first assist for Helenius of the year. It was also the third shot of the period for Buffalo that allowed them to enjoy a 1-0 lead in the opening period.
It took Montreal more than half of the first period to record their first shot on goal of the night, but a deflection by Zachary Bolduc in front of the net resulted in the shot and goal for the Canadiens. His fourth goal of the season tied the game 1-1 with just over eight minutes remaining in the first period. It was assisted by Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky.
The Canadiens took the lead with just under six minutes remaining in the first period when Slafkovsky was able to chip a loose puck to the side of the net. Cole Caufield was right there and slammed the puck into the goal for his fourth goal of the season. Slafkovsky and Alexandre Carrier assisted on the goal that made it 2-1 in favor of Montreal.
Alexandre Texier extended Montreal's lead to 3-1 with his first goal of the season. The goal was scored nearly midway through the second period and came off the initial chance by Kaiden Guhle. He and Carrier received the assists on the score.
The Sabres were able to get back within a goal, 3-2, thanks to a strong forecheck by Zach Benson that resulted in Jack Quinn scoring at the top of the Montreal crease.
Samuelsson clears the puck down to the Montreal zone, Benson retrieves the puck, Jack Quinn scores a goal, 3-2 SHG #LetsGoBuffalo #GoHabsGo https://t.co/XeH8q6xtmc
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) October 18, 2026
Quinn's third goal in the last two games was scored while Montreal was on the power play. Benson and Mattias Samuelsson assisted on the shorthanded goal.
Josh Doan found Tage Thompson at the side of the Montreal net midway through the third period and helped the Sabres even the score at three.
Josh Doan finds Tage Thompson for a cross-ice tap in, 3-3 #LetsGoBuffalo #GoHabsGo https://t.co/qlcugEwlxG
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) October 18, 2026
Thompson's fifth goal of the season came on Buffalo's seventh shot of the period. Doan and Jiri Kulich were each credited with assists on the game-tying goal.
Goal Summary
First Period
BUF: 8:21 - Josh Norris (2) (Konsta Helenius)
MTL: 11:45 - Zachary Bolcuc (4) (Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky). 14:01 - Cole Caufield (4) (Juraj Slafkovsky, Alexandre Carrier)
Second Period
BUF: 9:52 - Jack Quinn (5) SHG (Zach Benson, Mattias Masulesson)
MTL: 7:39 - Alexandre Texier (1) (Kaiden Guhle, Alexandre Carrier)
Third Period
BUF: 10:12 - Tage Thompson (5) (Josh Doan, Jiri Kulich)
MTL: NONE
Three Stars of the Game
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What's Next
The Sabres have a few days to rest and recover before taking the ice on Wednesday night. Buffalo is set to host the Philadelphia Flyers for their final game at KeyBank Center this month. The puck drops at 7:30 on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network, WGR. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with Zach Jones and Derek Kramer.
