Jakub Dobes, Alex Newhook lead Canadiens to massive Game 2 win over Sabres

The Montreal Canadiens couldn’t overcome the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 of their second-round matchup in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Game 2 was a much different story. Montreal started fast, and they did not look back as they evened the series at one game apiece.

The Habs scored twice within the first five minutes of the game on Friday night. Alex Newhook scored twice to lead the charge offensively. Meanwhile, goalie Jakub Dobes bounced back to make 24 saves in the 5-1 win over the Sabres on Friday night.

Montreal gains a big measure of momentum in this series. The Sabres crowd was a big factor in Game 1, where the Habs lost 4-1. However, Montreal took the fans out of this game early on. And they were able to pounce on an inexperienced Buffalo team as the game continued on.

Newhook opened the scoring on a shot that glanced off Sabres goalie Alex Lyon and into the net. Mike Matheson made it 2-0 just minutes later with a rocket from the point. Five minutes into the second period, Newhook scored his second of the game.

The Sabres found a bit of life near the end of the second period. Buffalo’s Zach Benson scored on a beautiful redirect to cut the lead to 3-1. But the Canadiens were not willing to let Buffalo back in this contest. Alexandre Carrier scored on an odd-man rush to make it 4-1. And Nick Suzuki’s empty net goal sealed the deal.

Montreal and Buffalo will head north of the border on Sunday for Game 3 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

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