Brian Gionta scores a power play goal against the Canadiens in the 5-2 defeat.
MONTREAL — The Buffalo Sabres came out of the All-Star break with a less than impressive performance against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night at the Bell Center.
The Sabres had 16 giveaways through two periods as they trailed 4-0, and ended up losing 5-2. The Canadiens took control of the contest with 3 goals in the second stanza, coming off of Buffalo turnovers.
Greece native and former Canadiens captain, Brian Gionta, extended his scoring streak in Montreal to 14 games with his 14th point, 11 goals and 3 assists. The current Sabres captian scored on a power play late in the third period as he knocked home a rebound, for his 12th goal of the season, off a shot by Cody Franson from the left point.
Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov tallied his first goal of the campaign, ending a 72-game scoreless streak, to get the Sabres on the scoreboard, off an assist from Cal O’Reilly.
Buffalo outshot Montreal for the game, 39-35, thanks to an 18-6 advantage in the third period. Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ristolainen each had 6 shots on goal for the game to pace the Sabres’ attack.
Sabres goalie Robin Lehner finished with 29 saves.
Buffalo is home for the next 2 games, on Thursday against the New York Rangers and Saturday versus the Ottawa Senators.