On Friday night the Montreal Canadiens were back at it in Buffalo against the Sabres in the second game of their second round series. The result was a 5-1 win for Montreal.
Here are some notes from the game.
Hello, Alex Newhook.
What a statement game for Newhook. Losing a second in Buffalo was not an option, and the only guy with a Stanley Cup ring came ready to play. Two big goals from the young veteran. The same guy who scored the series winner in Tampa Bay. Nice trade?
The other thing that is noteworthy about Newhook’s goals is where they were scored from. Newhook redirected both from the front of the net, a place where the Canadiens have not spent enough time. He got the memo.
Caufield is figuring it out.
I thought Game 2 was his best game of the playoffs. It’s been frustrating to watch him circle the perimeter of the offensive zone when so many of his regular season goals came from in close. Last night he put himself in good locations and had several great chances. It’s coming.
A word about Alexandre Carrier…
Carrier was a bit of a worry for me heading into these playoffs. He was returning from injury, they were missing Dobson, and I remembered how the Washington Capitals pulverized Carrier in last year’s playoffs.
Carrier picked his corner on that goal like he’d been flying down the left wing on odd-man rushes his whole life. But he’s also been solid defensively, before and since Dobson’s return. A pleasant surprise.
The Habs head back to Montreal with the series split. Go Habs Go!
Hab At Her 