Sabres Can't Flip Script in Montreal, Fall 4-3 as Habs Sweep Season Series

So much for the bounce-back narrative. Buffalo walked into the Bell Centre with supposed goaltending superiority and walked out with their second straight loss to Montreal in three days, falling 4-3 in a game that proved revenge is a dish best served lukewarm in Quebec.

The Sabres' vaunted goalie advantage? Evaporated. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who we touted for his superior form, couldn't outduel the kid Dobes when it mattered. Montreal's netminder shook off those ugly underlying numbers and made enough stops down the stretch to preserve the one-goal margin. Meanwhile, Buffalo's offense managed three goals but couldn't solve the Canadiens when they needed the equalizer.

Our pick at Sabres +120 missed because the "letdown spot" theory crashed into reality: Montreal didn't let down. They came out motivated, swept the mini-series, and sent Buffalo packing with nothing but frequent-flyer miles and bruised egos. The market priced the Habs at 56.6 percent for a reason—they're comfortable at home against this Sabres squad, mediocre splits be damned.

Credit where it's due: Montreal took care of business twice in 72 hours. Buffalo? They're learning that goalie stats on paper don't stop pucks when the other team wants it more. Tough beat, but that's hockey.