Montreal notches a 3-1 victory over Buffalo for 2nd straight home loss.
By Heather Engel / NHL.com Independent Correspondent
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Brendan Gallagher scored the game-winning goal in his return to the lineup for the Montreal Canadiens in a 3-1 victory against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Thursday.
Tomas Tatar had a goal and an assist, and Carey Price made 20 saves for Montreal (23-22-7), which has won five of seven.
Jack Eichel scored his 30th goal of the season for the Sabres (22-22-7), who have lost three in a row. Carter Hutton made 28 saves.
Eichel finished off some quick passing on the power-play from the left circle to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead at 7:11 of the first period.
Ilya Kovalchuk picked up a loose puck after his shot was blocked and beat a screened Hutton far side to tie it 1-1 44 seconds into the second period.
Gallagher, uncovered at the left of the net, lifted a backhand to give the Canadiens a 2-1 lead at 3:05.
Tatar scored into an empty net at 18:13 of the third period for the 3-1 final.
Sabres forward Kyle Okposo left the game after the first period with an undisclosed injury.
Up next
The Sabres continue their homestand on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 1 pm.