Caufield’s Third-Period Surge Lifts Canadiens Past Sabres, 4-2
In a game that had all the makings of a momentum-shifting clash, Cole Caufield put the Montreal Canadiens on his back in the third period, scoring twice to power a 4-2 comeback win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night at KeyBank Center.
This one didn’t come easy for Montreal. Down 2-1 heading into the final frame, the Canadiens leaned on their young star, and Caufield delivered in a big way. His goals-numbers 31 and 32 on the season-weren’t just timely, they were the spark that flipped the script and sealed Montreal’s third straight win.
Let’s break it down.
Caufield Clutch When It Counts
Caufield’s first of the night came just over four minutes into the third period. With Montreal pressing, he found himself in perfect position to redirect a shot from Noah Dobson, tying the game at 2-2. It was the kind of goal that doesn’t happen without chemistry and awareness-Caufield read the play beautifully and made the most of his chance.
Then, just over five minutes later, he struck again. This time, it was the go-ahead and eventual game-winner, capping a third-period surge that saw Montreal take control and never look back. Caufield’s ability to finish under pressure continues to be a defining trait of his game this season.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Caufield stole the spotlight, the Canadiens got key contributions across the board. Juraj Slafkovsky opened the scoring in the first period with a power-play goal, giving Montreal early momentum. Oliver Kapanen added an insurance marker to put the game out of reach late in the third.
And let’s not overlook Jakub Dobes between the pipes. The rookie netminder stood tall, turning aside 36 shots to keep the Canadiens in it when Buffalo was pressing. His composure under fire gave Montreal the stability they needed to weather the Sabres’ second-period push.
Sabres’ Streak Snapped
Buffalo came into this one riding a five-game win streak, and for a while, it looked like they might extend it. Owen Power got the Sabres on the board midway through the second with a slap shot during a delayed penalty, and Noah Ostlund gave them the lead with a power-play goal just over a minute before the intermission.
But the third period was a different story. The Sabres couldn’t find an answer for Caufield, and Montreal’s forecheck began to wear them down. Alex Lyon made 27 saves in net for Buffalo, but it wasn’t enough to keep the streak alive.
What It Means
This win shows a lot about where the Canadiens are right now. They’re not just relying on talent-they’re showing resilience. Coming back on the road against a hot team like Buffalo is no small feat, and it speaks to the growth of this group.
As for Caufield, he’s playing like a guy who wants to be the face of the franchise. With 32 goals and counting, he’s proving he’s more than just a sniper-he’s a game-changer when it matters most.
For Montreal, this is a win that could carry weight beyond the standings. It’s a reminder that even when they’re down, they’re not out. And with Caufield leading the charge, they’ve got plenty of reasons to believe.