Ruff echoed Norris about the difference between the Sabres’ play in the second and third periods.
“Simple. We got some pucks, put them to the net, didn’t hesitate getting them to the net, got rewarded,” he said. “We got rewarded on the second and third goal.”
Luukkonen made a save on Phillip Danault‘s tipped shot from the goalmouth with five seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime.
Zellweger gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead at 2:16 of the first period. His wrist shot from the left point went into the net off Engstrom’s glove for his first goal since being traded to the Sabres from the Anaheim Ducks on June 26.
“Sometimes you get unfortunate bounces, but I thought (Engstrom) played a good game and that doesn’t really show how his game was,” Hutson said. “I felt he was sharp, dialed in, made some good plays and just two unfortunate bounces.”
Hutson tied it 1-1 on a 5-on-3 power play at 14:28. His wrist shot from the point sailed over Luukkonen’s left shoulder with Danault providing a screen in front of the net.
Caufield put Montreal up 2-1 at 1:19 of the second period. He one-timed a slap shot past Luukkonen stick side from the left face-off dot on a pass from Slafkovsky, who got his second straight assist.