In Buffalo, the Sabres got back to winning as Jack Eichel struck for two goals and four points in a 5-4 overtime win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
“The more we put pucks behind them, I think it feeds our game and that’s when we start getting going,” Eichel said. “We were able to find a way to get two points. That’s what’s important in this League, so it’s a good win. They’re a really good hockey team. You can tell by the way they play. They’re fast, they move the puck well, they forecheck hard, and they’re tough to play against.”
Marcus Johansson picked up the game-winner at 1:30 of the extra session.
Carter Hutton made 23 saves for the victory.
“We’re happy to come out of a game with a win where we definitely didn’t have the structure defensively we want to have, but we all know we’re in the beginning of a hard, long season of growth and learning,” Eichel said. “The language is right on the bench and in the room. You have to give a compliment to the way Montreal plays. … It was a high level of offense coming at us all night, and we have to learn to play against that. Again, if we can learn off a win, we’ll take that anytime.”
Jeff Skinner and Victor Olofsson also scored for the Sabres.
Joel Armia struck twice for the Habs.
“This time of year, I think you always want to pick up points when you can and at the same time realize there’s things that are going to happen, breakdowns are going to happen, and you’re going to have to work through those things,” Skinner said. “Just keep communicating through them and make sure you’re working hard and competing and sort of trying to make up for those.”
Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Ben Chiarot had single markers for Montreal.
[WATCH: All Canadiens vs. Sabres highlights]
Keith Kinkaid made 34 saves in the loss.
“We didn’t do a good job on the penalty kill, we couldn’t send the puck down the other end when we had the chance, and eventually those things catch up to you,” Julien said. “We fell asleep in the second period. They were harder on the puck than we were, and we were a bit soft. If you want to be a good team, those things can’t be a part of your game.”
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