Call of the Wilde: Montreal Canadiens win their second straight in a shootout shading the Buffalo Sabres

The Montreal Canadiens secured their second consecutive win this past Tuesday night, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in an overtime shootout. The Habs outshot the Sabres 34-17 during regulation, but the game went into overtime and the Canadiens ultimately won 4-3 in the shootout.

For the Canadiens, the return of Kaiden Guhle from a knee injury proved pivotal. Guhle, a first-round draft pick and 2018 MVP, paired with Alexandre Carrier to form the second pairing. With Mike Matheson out due to injury, Guhle provided leadership and skill. He made a decisive block on the final penalty in overtime and was aggressive throughout.

Alexandre Carrier also had a strong outing, making a crucial block on the Sabres' final penalty with three seconds left. Hutson, a first-year player, showcased his poise and offensive ability, centering a second-period goal scored by Cole Caufield and contributing to another in the third period.

The Sabres, meanwhile, struggled with injuries and a lackluster offensive output. With Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram sidelined and Rasmus Dahlin dealing with a back injury, they had to adjust their line pairings. However, they showed flashes of their offensive potential, registering nine shots on goal during the first two periods. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield provided the majority of Buffalo's scoring chances.

The shootout highlighted the Canadiens' advantage, as they capitalized on every attempt while the Sabres missed multiple chances. The game showcased the dominance of the Canadiens, especially with Guhle's performance and the leadership of Hutson. Despite the Sabres' efforts, the Canadiens' superior play secured their victory.