GAME THREAD: NHL: BUFFALO (3-3) at MONTREAL (2-4)

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL END OF THE 2ND 1ST 2ND 3RD TOTAL
--- --- --- -----
BUFFALO 0 2 2
MONTREAL 1 1 2 END OF THE 2ND

GOAL SCORING:

1ST PRD: MON - (PP) BRYAN SMOLINSKI 1 (ROMAN HAMRLIK, MIKHAIL
GRABOVSKI) 2:34
2ND PRD: BUF - (PP) PAUL GAUSTAD 1 (TIM CONNOLLY, BRIAN CAMPBELL)
4:12
BUF - DEREK ROY 5 (THOMAS VANEK) 4:21
MON - KYLE CHIPCHURA 1 (UNASSISTED) 7:10

SHOTS ON GOAL: 1ST 2ND 3RD TOTAL
--- --- --- -----
BUF 7 11 18
MON 12 8 20

GOALIES: BUF - RYAN MILLER
MON - CRISTOBAL HUET</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">------------------------------
Buffalo 0 2 --2
Montreal 1 1 --2
------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

Shots on goal:
----------------------------------
Buffalo 7 11 --18
Montreal 12 8 --20
----------------------------------

Goalies : Buffalo, Ryan Miller (20 shots, 18 saves). Montreal,
Cristobal Huet (18 shots, 16 saves). Referees: Dennis Larue, Stephane
Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel Cormier.</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 2 19:55 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 2 15:10 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 2 11:35 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 2 8:20 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 2 7:40 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 3
3RD PRD: MON - (PP) CHRIS HIGGINS 2 (ROMAN HAMRLIK, MARK STREIT) 12:38</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 3 6:20 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 3 3:18 LEFT, 3RD PRD</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 4
3RD PRD: MON - (EN) CHRIS HIGGINS 3 (ROMAN HAMRLIK) 19:35</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">NHL FINAL 1ST 2ND 3RD TOTAL
--- --- --- -----
BUFFALO 0 2 0 2
MONTREAL 1 1 2 4 FINAL

GOAL SCORING:

1ST PRD: MON - (PP) BRYAN SMOLINSKI 1 (ROMAN HAMRLIK, MIKHAIL
GRABOVSKI) 2:34
2ND PRD: BUF - (PP) PAUL GAUSTAD 1 (TIM CONNOLLY, BRIAN CAMPBELL)
4:12
BUF - DEREK ROY 5 (THOMAS VANEK) 4:21
MON - KYLE CHIPCHURA 1 (UNASSISTED) 7:10
3RD PRD: MON - (PP) CHRIS HIGGINS 2 (ROMAN HAMRLIK, MARK STREIT)
12:38
MON - (EN) CHRIS HIGGINS 3 (ROMAN HAMRLIK) 19:35

POWER-PLAY CONVERSIONS: BUF - 1 OF 6, MON - 2 OF 6.

SHOTS ON GOAL: 1ST 2ND 3RD TOTAL
--- --- --- -----
BUF 7 11 9 27
MON 12 8 7 27

GOALIES: BUF - RYAN MILLER
MON - CRISTOBAL HUET

OFFICIALS: REF - DENNIS LARUE, STEPHANE AUGER
LIN - DEREK MANSEN, MICHEL CORMIER

ATT: 21,273</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">------------------------------------
Buffalo 0 2 0 --2
Montreal 1 1 2 --4
------------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Montreal, Chris Higgins 2 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mark Streit), 12:38. 6, Montreal, Chris Higgins 3
(empty net) (Roman Hamrlik), 19:35. Penalties: R Hamrlik, Mon
(tripping), 9:52; D Stafford, Buf (high sticking), 10:56; B Campbell,
Buf (hooking), 11:44; A Kovalev, Mon (hooking), 16:44.

Shots on goal:
---------------------------------------
Buffalo 7 11 9 --27
Montreal 12 8 7 --27
---------------------------------------

Power-play Conversions: Buffalo - 1 of 6, Montreal - 2 of 6. Goalies :
Buffalo, Ryan Miller (26 shots, 23 saves; record: 2-4-0). Montreal,
Cristobal Huet (27 shots, 25 saves; record: 2-1-2). A: 21,273.
Referees: Dennis Larue, Stephane Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel
Cormier.</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">** CONFIRMED **
NHL
BUFFALO 2
MONTREAL 4</div>

 

By Mark Lidbetter
PA Sportsticker Contributing Writer


MONTREAL (Ticker) -- The Montreal Canadiens finally gave theirhome crowd something to cheer about.


Christopher Higgins scored two goals - including the game-winner- and blue-liner Roman Hamrlik set up three tallies as theCanadiens managed to get their first victory at home and snap anoverall three-game skid with a 4-2 triumph over the BuffaloSabres on Saturday night.


During a 5-on-3 advantage, Higgins scored his second goal of theseason with 7:22 left in the third period to put Montreal infront.


Hamrlik fired a blasted from the point, which went wide of thenet but caromed off the end boards to Higgins in front. Thethird-year pro knocked the puck past goaltender Ryan Miller togive the Canadiens a 3-2 advantage.


The play was reviewed and was upheld by the video replay.

Higgins sealed the win with 25 seconds remaining, sending awrist shot from the top of the right faceoff circle into anempty net.


Hamrlik started the play when he forced a turnover in thedefensive zone and sent a quick outlet pass to a breakingHiggins. Montreal opened the scoring at 2:34 of the first periodwith a power-play goal by Bryan Smolinski.


With Buffalo defenseman Henrik Tallinder in the penalty box,rookie Mikhail Grabovski carried the puck into the offensivezone and dropped a pass to Hamrlik at the left point. Hamrlikfired a shot wide, and the puck bounced off the end boards toSmolinski, who buried it before Miller could react.

The Sabres rattled the Canadiens with a pair of goals in anine-second span in the second period to take a 2-1 advantage.

Paul Gaustad knotted the game during a man advantage when heworked along the left wing boards and fired an ice-level shotfrom the top of the faceoff circle that found enough roombetween the left post and netminder Cristobal Huet'soutstretched pad at 4:12.


After the ensuing faceoff, the Sabres stormed right back in asThomas Vanek took control of the puck and sent a pass to DerekRoy, who was camped at the left post. Roy one-timed the puckinto the net at 4:21 for his fifth goal and a 2-1 lead.

Rookie Kyle Chipchura netted his first career goal less thanthree minutes later to pull the Canadiens even.


From along the right wing boards, the 21-year-old Chipchuraturned at the top of he faceoff circle and snapped a shot towarda partially screened Miller, who could not prevent the puckfrom sailing inside the left post at 7:10.


Buffalo nearly pulled ahead, but captain Jochen Hecht rattled adeflection off the left post with 5:24 remaining in the second.

Huet finished with 25 saves for the Canadiens.


Miller turned aside 23 shots as the Sabres lost on back-to-backnights for the second time this season. Buffalo dropped a 3-0decision to Columbus at home on Friday.

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">------------------------------------
Buffalo 0 2 0 --2
Montreal 1 1 2 --4
------------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Montreal, Chris Higgins 2 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mark Streit), 12:38. 6, Montreal, Chris Higgins 3
(empty net) (Roman Hamrlik), 19:35. Penalties: R Hamrlik, Mon
(tripping), 9:52; D Stafford, Buf (high sticking), 10:56; B Campbell,
Buf (hooking), 11:44; A Kovalev, Mon (hooking), 16:44.

Shots on goal:
---------------------------------------
Buffalo 7 11 9 --27
Montreal 12 8 7 --27
---------------------------------------

Power-play Conversions: Buffalo - 1 of 6, Montreal - 2 of 6. Goalies :
Buffalo, Ryan Miller (26 shots, 23 saves; record: 2-4-0). Montreal,
Cristobal Huet (27 shots, 25 saves; record: 2-1-2). A: 21,273.
Referees: Dennis Larue, Stephane Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel
Cormier.</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">-----------------------------------------
BUFFALO 0 2 0 --2
MONTREAL 1 1 2 --4
-----------------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Montreal, Chris Higgins 2 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mark Streit), 12:38. 6, Montreal, Chris Higgins 3
(empty net) (Roman Hamrlik), 19:35. Penalties: R Hamrlik, Mon
(tripping), 9:52; D Stafford, Buf (high sticking), 10:56; B Campbell,
Buf (hooking), 11:44; A Kovalev, Mon (hooking), 16:44.

Shots on goal:
----------------------------------------
BUFFALO 7 11 9 --27
MONTREAL 12 8 7 --27
----------------------------------------

Power-play Conversions: BUF - 1 of 6, MON - 2 of 6. Goalies : Buffalo,
Ryan Miller (26 shots, 23 saves; record: 2-4-0). Montreal, Cristobal
Huet (27 shots, 25 saves; record: 2-1-2). A: 21,273. Referees: Dennis
Larue, Stephane Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel Cormier.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER STATISTICS

BUFFALO MONTREAL
G A +/- Shots G A +/- Shots
H Tallinder 0 0 +1 1 S Koivu 0 0 even 0
A Kotalik 0 0 -1 2 T Plekanec 0 0 even 2
T Connolly 0 1 even 3 B Smolinski 1 0 even 5
D Paille 0 0 even 0 C Higgins 2 0 even 5
D Stafford 0 0 even 2 S Begin 0 0 even 1
A Mair 0 0 even 1 M Dandenault 0 0 even 0
T Vanek 0 1 even 1 A Kovalev 0 0 +1 2
P Gaustad 1 0 even 3 K Chipchura 1 0 +1 1
J Pominville 0 0 even 2 M Streit 0 1 -1 2
M Ryan 0 0 -1 1 R Hamrlik 0 3 +1 1
N Paetsch 0 0 -2 0 F Bouillon 0 0 even 1
A Sekera 0 0 -1 0 M Grabovski 0 1 even 1
D Kalinin 0 0 even 1 T Kostopoulos 0 0 +1 2
T Lydman 0 0 +1 1 P Brisebois 0 0 even 1
B Campbell 0 1 -1 1 M Ryder 0 0 -1 1
J Hecht 0 0 even 3 A Markov 0 0 +1 1
M Afinogenov 0 0 -1 1 M Komisarek 0 0 +1 0
D Roy 1 0 -1 4 G Latendresse 0 0 even 1
A Peters HEALTHY G Murray ANKLE INJURY
J Gorges HEALTHY
A Kastitsyn HEALTHY</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">------------------------------------
Buffalo 0 2 0 --2
Montreal 1 1 2 --4
------------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Montreal, Roman Hamrlik 1 (power play)
(Mark Streit, Chris Higgins), 12:38. 6, Montreal, Chris Higgins 2
(empty net) (Unassisted), 19:35. Penalties: R Hamrlik, Mon
(tripping), 9:52; D Stafford, Buf (high sticking), 10:56; B Campbell,
Buf (hooking), 11:44; A Kovalev, Mon (hooking), 16:44.

Shots on goal:
---------------------------------------
Buffalo 7 11 9 --27
Montreal 12 8 7 --27
---------------------------------------

Power-play Conversions: Buffalo - 1 of 6, Montreal - 2 of 6. Goalies :
Buffalo, Ryan Miller (26 shots, 23 saves; record: 2-4-0). Montreal,
Cristobal Huet (27 shots, 25 saves; record: 2-1-2). A: 21,273.
Referees: Dennis Larue, Stephane Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel
Cormier.</div>

 

NHL: BUFFALO at MONTREAL

<div class="pre">-----------------------------------------
BUFFALO 0 2 0 --2
MONTREAL 1 1 2 --4
-----------------------------------------

FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Montreal, Bryan Smolinski 1 (power play)
(Roman Hamrlik, Mikhail Grabovski), 2:34. Penalties: H Tallinder, Buf
(hooking), 0:40; D Roy, Buf (goalie interference), 6:46; S Koivu, Mon
(tripping), 8:11; T Plekanec, Mon (goalie interference), 10:14; N
Paetsch, Buf (holding), 10:14.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Buffalo, Paul Gaustad 1 (power play) (Tim
Connolly, Brian Campbell), 4:12. 3, Buffalo, Derek Roy 5 (Thomas
Vanek), 4:21. 4, Montreal, Kyle Chipchura 1 (Unassisted), 7:10.
Penalties: S Begin, Mon (roughing), 3:35; T Lydman, Buf (slashing),
10:32; P Brisebois, Mon (double minor high sticking), 14:42; T Vanek,
Buf (interference), 14:57; M Afinogenov, Buf (roughing), 15:20.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Montreal, Roman Hamrlik 1 (power play)
(Mark Streit, Chris Higgins), 12:38. 6, Montreal, Chris Higgins 2
(empty net) (Unassisted), 19:35. Penalties: R Hamrlik, Mon
(tripping), 9:52; D Stafford, Buf (high sticking), 10:56; B Campbell,
Buf (hooking), 11:44; A Kovalev, Mon (hooking), 16:44.

Shots on goal:
----------------------------------------
BUFFALO 7 11 9 --27
MONTREAL 12 8 7 --27
----------------------------------------

Power-play Conversions: BUF - 1 of 6, MON - 2 of 6. Goalies : Buffalo,
Ryan Miller (26 shots, 23 saves; record: 2-4-0). Montreal, Cristobal
Huet (27 shots, 25 saves; record: 2-1-2). A: 21,273. Referees: Dennis
Larue, Stephane Auger. Linesmen: Derek Mansen, Michel Cormier.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER STATISTICS

BUFFALO MONTREAL
G A +/- Shots G A +/- Shots
H Tallinder 0 0 +1 1 S Koivu 0 0 even 0
A Kotalik 0 0 -1 2 T Plekanec 0 0 even 2
T Connolly 0 1 even 3 B Smolinski 1 0 even 5
D Paille 0 0 even 0 C Higgins 1 1 even 5
D Stafford 0 0 even 2 S Begin 0 0 even 1
A Mair 0 0 even 1 M Dandenault 0 0 even 0
T Vanek 0 1 even 1 A Kovalev 0 0 +1 2
P Gaustad 1 0 even 3 K Chipchura 1 0 +1 1
J Pominville 0 0 even 2 M Streit 0 1 -1 2
M Ryan 0 0 -1 1 R Hamrlik 1 1 +1 1
N Paetsch 0 0 -2 0 F Bouillon 0 0 even 1
A Sekera 0 0 -1 0 M Grabovski 0 1 even 1
D Kalinin 0 0 even 1 T Kostopoulos 0 0 +1 2
T Lydman 0 0 +1 1 P Brisebois 0 0 even 1
B Campbell 0 1 -1 1 M Ryder 0 0 -1 1
J Hecht 0 0 even 3 A Markov 0 0 +1 1
M Afinogenov 0 0 -1 1 M Komisarek 0 0 +1 0
D Roy 1 0 -1 4 G Latendresse 0 0 even 1
A Peters HEALTHY G Murray ANKLE INJURY
J Gorges HEALTHY
A Kastitsyn HEALTHY</div>

 

By Mark Lidbetter
PA Sportsticker Contributing Writer


MONTREAL (Ticker) -- The Montreal Canadiens finally gave theirhome crowd something to cheer about.


Blue-liner Roman Hamrlik scored the game-winning goal and set uptwo others as the Canadiens managed to get their first victoryat home and snap an overall three-game skid with a 4-2 triumphover the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.


"Playing at home, it's always good for the fans to see a win,"<div class="pre">Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said. "All I wanted was the two</div>points, it didn't matter if it was Los Angeles or anywhere else.We've played well with no results for it."


During a 5-on-3 advantage, Hamrlik tallied his first goal of theseason with 7:22 left in the third period to put Montreal infront.


Hamrlik fired a blast from the point, which went wide of the netbut caromed off the end boards. The puck went in front of thenet, where it deflected off defenseman Toni Lydman and in behindgoaltender Ryan Miller to give the Canadiens a 3-2 advantage.

"The league should look at the trampolines they installed here(in the new boards)," Miller said. "I'll know better next time,but it wouldn't change my mind about the way I challenged. Itwas 5-on-3, I decided to go for the point shot, we had goodcoverage on my backside and it hit Toni in the skate."

"As a team, we are happy to have two points," Hamrlik said. "Westayed with the plan and played 60 minutes tonight. It'sunbelievable to play here, the fans are so great."

The goal, which was reviewed and was upheld by the video replay,originally was credited to Christopher Higgins.


Higgins sealed the win with 25 seconds remaining, sending awrist shot from the top of the right faceoff circle into anempty net.


"We got the win, and that's all that matters," Higgins said. "Wewere really concerned about getting the first (home win) offour backs. We've played well in this building and have hadnothing to show for it. We finally got a couple of bounces and(netminder Cristobal) Huet played well and closed the door toget us the win at home."


Montreal opened the scoring at 2:34 of the first period with apower-play goal by Bryan Smolinski.


With Buffalo defenseman Henrik Tallinder in the penalty box,rookie Mikhail Grabovski carried the puck into the offensivezone and dropped a pass to Hamrlik at the left point. Hamrlikfired a shot wide, and the puck bounced off the end boards toSmolinski, who buried it before Miller could react.

The Sabres rattled the Canadiens with a pair of goals in anine-second span in the second period to take a 2-1 advantage.

Paul Gaustad knotted the game during a man advantage when heworked along the left wing boards and fired an ice-level shotfrom the top of the faceoff circle that found enough roombetween the left post and Huet's outstretched pad at 4:12.

After the ensuing faceoff, the Sabres stormed right back in asThomas Vanek took control of the puck and sent a pass to DerekRoy, who was camped at the left post. Roy one-timed the puckinto the net at 4:21 for his fifth goal and a 2-1 lead.

"We know we're going to lose games, but it was a tough lossbecause of the bounces," Roy said. "It's good when they go yourway, but when they aren't, you go, 'Why me?' We played well,the penalty-killing did a good job forcing (the Canadiens) toshoot wide, but they got that bounce."


Rookie Kyle Chipchura netted his first career goal less thanthree minutes later to pull the Canadiens even.


From along the right wing boards, the 21-year-old Chipchuraturned at the top of he faceoff circle and snapped a shot towarda partially screened Miller, who could not prevent the puckfrom sailing inside the left post at 7:10.


"Right now, we're finding ways to lose games, when last year wewere finding ways to win them," Miller said. "Guys better notstart feeling sorry for themselves. It's the National HockeyLeague, and you've got to fight every night for it and go forit."


Buffalo nearly pulled ahead, but captain Jochen Hecht rattled adeflection off the left post with 5:24 remaining in the second.

Huet finished with 25 saves for the Canadiens.


"I wasn't challenged at the start and I had to stay ready," Huetsaid. "I had a good night and was lucky a couple of times. Onehit my shoulder. The important thing is, we got the win."

Miller turned aside 23 shots as the Sabres lost on back-to-backnights for the second time this season. Buffalo dropped a 3-0decision to Columbus at home on Friday.


"The last 40 minutes, we played well," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruffsaid. "I don't quite think we had our legs underneath us (inthe first). We didn't get to places quick enough, we had acouple of shifts that were very sporadic. And then in thesecond, we got to places a lot quicker."