Canadiens Defeat Sabres, Extend Streak and End Rival's Run

Cole Caufield's two third-period goals lift Montreal to 4-2 road victory over Buffalo

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:55am

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The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 on Saturday, extending their own winning streak to three games while snapping the Sabres' five-game win streak. Cole Caufield scored two third-period goals, including the game-winner, to lead the Canadiens. Jakub Dobes made 36 saves in goal for Montreal, while Alex Lyon's franchise-record 10-game win streak came to an end for Buffalo despite 27 saves. Owen Power and Noah Ostlund scored for the Sabres.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Canadiens were able to cool off the surging Sabres and continue their own recent run of success, while Buffalo saw its impressive win streak come to a halt.

The details

The Canadiens struck first with a power-play goal from Juraj Slafkovsky in the opening period. The Sabres responded with goals from Owen Power and Noah Ostlund to take a 2-1 lead in the second. But Caufield tied it early in the third and then netted the game-winner with under 10 minutes remaining to lift Montreal to victory. Jakub Dobes was strong in net for the Canadiens, while Alex Lyon's franchise-record 10-game win streak was snapped.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • Slafkovsky scored the opening goal with 8:40 left in the first period.
  • Power tied the game at 1-1 with his goal 7:36 into the second period.
  • Ostlund put Buffalo ahead 2-1 with a power-play goal with 1:04 left in the second period.
  • Caufield scored the tying goal with 15:46 remaining in the third period and the game-winner with 9:47 left.

The players

Cole Caufield

A 22-year-old forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored two crucial third-period goals to lead his team to victory.

Jakub Dobes

The 24-year-old goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens who made 36 saves to earn the win.

Alex Lyon

The 28-year-old goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres whose franchise-record 10-game win streak was snapped despite a 27-save performance.

Owen Power

The 20-year-old defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who scored a goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the second period.

Noah Ostlund

The 19-year-old forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored a power-play goal to give his team a 2-1 lead in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Buffalo was going to come out strong, but our guys battled hard and found a way to get the two points. Caufield was huge for us tonight.”

— Martin St. Louis, Head Coach, Montreal Canadiens (therinklive.com)

“It's frustrating to see our win streak end, but credit to Montreal, they played a great game and found a way to win. We'll regroup and look to start a new streak.”

— Don Granato, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres (therinklive.com)

What’s next

The Canadiens will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, February 4th. The Sabres will aim to start a new win streak when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, February 6th.

The takeaway

This was an exciting divisional matchup that saw the Canadiens find a way to cool off the surging Sabres. Cole Caufield's heroics in the third period proved to be the difference, as Montreal was able to extend its own winning streak while ending Buffalo's impressive run. Both teams showed they have the talent to compete in the tight Atlantic Division race.