Sabres Show Grit and Resilience in Comeback Win Over Canadiens
**SUNRISE, Fla. ** - The Buffalo Sabres are making a habit of refusing to back down.
No matter the deficit, no matter the momentum swings, this team is showing it has the fight - and the firepower - to claw its way back into games. That mentality was on full display in their latest matchup, where they rallied past the Montreal Canadiens in a game that tested their resolve and rewarded their persistence.
It wasn’t a clean start by any stretch. The Sabres found themselves chasing early, but that’s where the character of this group continues to shine.
They didn’t panic. They didn’t press.
Instead, they stuck to their game, tightened up defensively, and leaned on key contributions from up and down the lineup.
Buffalo’s defensive corps, led by Mattias Samuelsson, was active and engaged from the opening puck drop. Samuelsson, paired with goaltender Alex Lyon, helped weather the Canadiens’ early push.
Lyon, in particular, had several key stops that kept the game within reach when the Sabres were still finding their legs. His calm presence in net gave the team a chance to regroup - and eventually take over.
The turning point came midway through the game, when the Sabres began to tilt the ice in their favor. Their forecheck started generating turnovers, their puck movement sharpened, and suddenly, the Canadiens were the ones on their heels. Buffalo’s transition game - long a strength of this roster - came alive, and with it, the offense followed.
One of the standout moments came courtesy of Dylan Cozens, who continues to grow into a leadership role on this team. Cozens’ energy was contagious, and his ability to drive play through the middle of the ice opened up space for his linemates. He didn’t just show up on the scoresheet - he set the tone.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Casey Mittelstadt and JJ Peterka were instrumental in the comeback effort, combining speed with smart decision-making to keep the Canadiens chasing.
The Sabres’ depth scoring - often a question mark in recent seasons - is starting to look like a legitimate asset. That’s a big development for a team trying to stay in the playoff mix.
On the back end, Rasmus Dahlin played with his usual blend of confidence and creativity. His ability to break the puck out under pressure and jump into the rush was crucial in keeping Montreal from settling into a defensive shell. Dahlin’s evolution into a true two-way force continues to be one of the most exciting storylines for this franchise.
Head coach Don Granato deserves credit, too. His message of composure and structure clearly resonates with this group.
The Sabres didn’t deviate from their identity, even when trailing. They trusted the system, trusted each other, and the result was a comeback that felt earned, not lucky.
This win is more than just two points in the standings. It’s a snapshot of a team that’s learning how to win tough games - the kind of games that separate playoff contenders from pretenders. The Sabres showed they can take a punch, adjust on the fly, and respond with poise and purpose.
There’s still work to be done, of course. Consistency remains the next step in their evolution.
But nights like this are proof that the foundation is solid. The Sabres are building something - and they’re doing it with grit, skill, and a belief that no game is out of reach.
If they keep playing like this, they’re going to be a problem for a lot of teams down the stretch.