The Buffalo Sabres, featuring Montreal native Devon Levi in his first NHL start, secured a commanding 6-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens. Levi's debut was particularly special, having received encouragement from his idol, Carey Price. In the game, Jeff Skinner notched his 17th goal of the season and added three assists, while Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Dahlin each contributed a goal and an assist. Six Sabres players had a multi-point game, showcasing the team's depth. Despite a Dahlin turnover leading to a goal from Joel Armia, the Sabres maintained control, supported by Erik Johnson and Alex Tuch's performance on the late penalty kill. Following the win, coach Don Granato praised Levi's performance, noting it as an example of his capability. However, the team faced challenges with Tuch and Jordan Greenway being day to day due to illness, though both were in for the next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Pittsburgh, the Sabres opened the scoring with a goal from Tuch but ultimately fell 3-1. The Sabres then hosted the Seattle Kraken, with Levi facing off against Joey Daccord in goal. The Sabres struggled on special teams, which contributed to their 5-2 loss. Skinner scored the Sabres' 17th goal of the season, and Levi made a significant stop on Kartye, but the Kraken tied the game with a goal from Yanni Gourde. Despite a short-handed breakaway by Tuch, the Kraken capitalized on their opportunities, with Jaden Schwartz tipping in a shot for a 4-2 lead. The Kraken's depth proved key, as they extended their winning streak to seven games. The Sabres' power play had its first opportunity late in the game but failed to convert. The loss left the Sabres with a 17-20-4 record at the halfway mark of the season, on pace for 76 points.
#Sabres now 17-20-4 at halfway mark of the season. That’s a 76-point pace.
The Kraken defeat the Sabres 5-2 to extend their winning streak to seven games and their team-record point streak to 11 games (9-0-2). Kraken will look to equal their franchise record with an eighth straight victory when they visit the Capitals on Thursday.
#Sabres now hit the official halfway mark of the season, after their 41st game tonight, with a 17-20-4 record. They are on pace for 76 points. They finished with 91 points last season.
That's now 7 wins in a row, and a franchise record extending 11 games with a point. At this rate, how are you feeling about the playoffs? Send me your Kraken tweets. https://t.co/xcXR2e0lc5
#SeaKraken extends franchise record point streak to 11 (9-0-2) with win over #Sabres
#SeaKraken win 5-2 Depth is the key once again. Five skaters score, 11 skaters get at least a point (3 get two: Borgen, Tolvanen, Schwartz) Win streak extends to seven games
Sabres fall 5-2. Boos again as the horn sounds.
#Sabres modest little two-game winning streak is over after 5-2 loss to #SeaKraken. BUF now 0-5 against SEA and outscored in those games, 26-12. Only team in NHL that SEA has yet to lose to in its three seasons. BUF falls to 8-10-1 at home in opener of six-game stand.
Seattle has only eight shots on goal combined in the 2nd and 3rd periods of this one. They got a lead and knew Daccord would protect it. #Sabres
Power play getting crushed after icing which followed Skinner/Thompson crossup that led to Gourde breakaway. He tried a back pass to McCann that was broken up. #Sabres #SeaKraken
Sabres to the power play for the first time tonight. Burakovsky off for tripping.
Sabres to the power play for the first time tonight. Burakovsky off for tripping. They've
Takes nearly 47 minutes but #Sabres get first power play as Burakovsky trips Krebs at 6:46.
Levi splits this season: Home: 4-4-1, 3.53/.881 (Doesn't include five goals on 20 shots tonight) Road: 4-2-1, 2.86/.907 #Sabres
#Sabres are 2-16-2 when trailing after two. #SeaKraken are 12-0-3 when leading after two.
Sabres down 5-2 after two periods but outshooting the Kraken 27-20. Seattle scored three goals on five shots in the period.
After 40: Kraken lead the Sabres 5-2. Shots on goal are 27-20 for the Sabres Boos as the horn sounds to end the period.
End-2nd: #Sabres spend the last 30 seconds getting booed as they trail #SeaKraken 5-2. Shots were 8-5 BUF and they lead 27-20 for the game. Three goals on five shots on Levi that period. He's def gotta have goals 1 and 3.
4-2 #SeaKraken Jaden Schwartz is happy to be back, it seems. Gets his second point of the game and this time its a goal - gets the second tip off a Borgen shot. https://t.co/azwD6vyrKk
Yeah that Jaden Schwartz fella might help this team. A goal and an assist this period for Schwartz after he bats incoming shot out of mid-air at net front to put #SEAKraken up 4-2 at 11:34 of 2nd period. #NHL https://t.co/6TWeYBeYRl
#Sabres with another turnover in the neutral zone and Schwartz tips home point shot from old friend Will Borgen. #SeaKraken lead 4-2 with 8:26 left in the 2nd period. And now you're in real trouble against this team. SEA has given up 6 goals in last 6 games. You need 5 to win.
Sabres turn it over and Schwartz tips in Borgen's shot, 4-2 Sea.
3-2 #SeaKraken get a 2-on-1 thanks to Tanev taking Dahlin out of the play and Wennberg goes forehand -> backhand to beat Levi. Schwartz in his first game back with the perfect pass to set up the chance. https://t.co/PKzRYvmQco
Wenneberg gets in alone after a Dahlin pinch and leaks a backhand through Levi...#SeaKraken back in front over #Sabres 3-2 at 2:08 of the 2nd.
Casey Mittelstadt, Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner each have 2 points since Granato made the change. Skinner and Tuch have the Sabres' goals tonight. https://t.co/InXU77XLPC
The Sabres tie it. Alex Tuch with a perfect redirect of a Jeff Skinner pass to beat Joey Daccord only 50 seconds into the second period. It's 2-2. Tuch's 11th goal of the season.
Tuch -- who is really flying tonight -- streaks to the net and tips home a Skinner pass. Mittelstadt with secondary assist for his second point. #Sabres tie it 2-2 just 50 seconds into the 2nd period.
Sabres get it back immediately. Good breakout, Tuch goes to the net and redirects a Skinner pass, 2-2.
2-1 after 20. After a massive save by Daccord on Alex Tuch, the #SeaKraken power play capitalizes on some quick puck movement with a shot from Vince Dunn. Assist to Andre Burakovsky who's heating up. https://t.co/QOSAqSHi4T
Sabres down 2-1 but outshooting the Kraken 19-15. Poor finish for the Sabres after dominating early.
After 20: Kraken lead the Sabres 2-1. Shots on goal are 19-15 for Buffalo.
End-1st: #SeaKraken lead #Sabres 2-1. Shots were 19-15 for Buffalo, which had control for the first 13 minutes. Couldn't get the two-goal lead and the visitors then got nine of the last 11 shots and two goals.
Joey Daccord with second breakaway stop of period — this one on Alex Tuch — and Vince Dunn scores at tail-end of PP at other end. #SEAKraken up 2-1 despite being outshot 19-13. #NHL https://t.co/JUByjqbmdr
Tuch shortie breakaway. Tried to go 5-hole backhand. Daccord save. #Sabres #SeaKraken
Slashing penalty on Jokiharju, whose shot was blocked. Levi had to stop Tatar breakaway. #Sabres #SeaKraken
Kraken tie it 1-1 after getting a ton of cracks at puck around net. Yanni Gourde finally puts it in with 6:55 to go in 1st. What a period for Joey Daccord if that 17-9 shot count is remotely accurate. #SEAKraken fortunate to be in game. #NHL https://t.co/XlaHccmdMW
A sloppy breakout leads to the Kraken scoring the tying goal. Yanni Gourde gets to the puck around the Sabres' crease. It's 1-1 with 6:05 left in the 1st period. We'll see if it becomes a momentum-killer.
Kraken tie it. Sabres with a turnover in their own end. Levi makes the first two saves but Yanni Gourde is quick on a rebound in the crease.
Benson with a rough turnover in the defensive zone and Gourde eventually bangs home a rebound. #SeaKraken tie it 1-1 with 6:05 left in the first in a period that #Sabres have had many chances to go up by two.
Levi with a big stop on Kartye on one-timer. At TV timeout with 9:03 left in first, #Sabres lead 1-0 and have a 16-6 advantage in shots on goal. Seven Buffalo players have two shots each.
The Sabres have 15 shots on goal less than halfway through the first period.
#Sabres have scored first three straight games after giving up the first goal in the previous four. Huge difference not chasing games.
#Sabres are 13-2-1 this year when scoring first. #SeaKraken are 5-9-5 when opponent scores first.
Casey Mittelstadt gets the puck over to Jeff Skinner and he out waits Daccord and scores, 1-0 #LetsGoBuffalo #SeaKraken https://t.co/W0bPitvk3x
Sabres outshooting the Kraken 8-3 early.
We're breaking free just under five minutes in. Skinner from the right circle. 1-0 Sabres
1-0 Sabres Jeff Skinner's patience pays off for his 17th goal of the season. He held the puck to wait until Daccord was out of position. Good job by Tuch down low. Mittelstadt with the faceoff win and primary assist.
Skinner from Mittelstadt. #Sabres getting all kinds of good chances and finally beat Daccord 5-hole to take 1-0 lead at 4:57. An excellent start to this game from this club. Shots 8-3 for BUF
Here are the lines/pairings for today’s 4 pm PT game between the #SEAKraken and Buffalo Sabres. #NHL https://t.co/rWh3FAfEb5
#Sabres and #SeaKraken are both +3 in goals at 5 on 5. Special teams still killing BUF. 28th on PP (30th at home) and 22nd on PK. SEA is 17th on PP and 12th on PK.
#Sabres and #SeaKraken are released to get warm! Levi Vs. Daccord in goal. https://t.co/xmCyHuK9cq
Sabres making their way out for an optional morning skate. Jordan Greenway and Victor Olofsson, who each missed practice yesterday with illness, are on the ice. https://t.co/cEQ3OiV8ss
Devon Levi is in the starter’s net at the Sabres’ morning skate and Jordan Greenway is back after missing practice yesterday because of an illness.
Penguins take a 3-1 lead at 8:07. #PITvsPHI
Penguins score to make it 3-1.
Penalty 30 seconds in and it’s 1-0 Penguins, 45 seconds into the game. #PITvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers
Jordan Greenway and Victor Olofsson are sick and day to day, per the #Sabres.
Sabres getting ready to practice this Monday morning. https://t.co/ot5AJbmSxX
Granato says UPL & Levi when rested, can play really well. Says the schedule sets up nicely for them here ahead. #Sabres
Sabres win 3-1.
2-1 Sabres Good pressure from the Krebs line and Girgensons puts it home.
Great pressure from the fourth line and Zemgus Girgensons scores on a backhand in tight after a Samuelsson shot from the point. #Sabres lead 2-1 with 4:38 left. His third of the year and first since October.
And with eight seconds left in the 5-on-3, Rakell deflects home the Karlsson shot and it's 1-1 with 12:11 left. #Sabres #Pens
Penguins tie it at 7:49.
The Penguins are getting a full two minute 5-on-3
#Sabres are getting two penalties here. Yeesh. Slashing on Girgensons and interference on Clifton. #Pens get a full 5 on 3 with 14:03 left.
Penguins getting a two-minute two-man advantage 5:57 into the third.
At the end of 40 minutes it's still 1-0 Buff. Shots in the second were 14-11 Sabres.
End-2nd: #Sabres still lead #Pens 1-0. Shots are 28-21 for PIT. It was 14-11 for BUF in the 2nd. BUF is 11-0-1 this year leading after two. PIT is 1-8-2 when trailing after two.
Sabres up 1-0 after two periods. Pens have a 28-22 shot advantage.
After 40: Sabres still holding a 1-0 lead. Shots on goal are 28-22 for the Penguins.
Crosby interferes with Power going after a rebound and he's gone with 19.3 left. That was a pretty easy call to end that power call. Only minor protest from the crowd. #Sabres #Pens
Guentzel breakaway from Crosby. Save. UPL is 25 for 25. #Sabres #Pens
Rakell breakaway. UPL save. He's 21 for 21 in this one. #Sabres #Pens
3-0. Joel Armia.
After 20: Sabres lead the Penguins 1-0. Shots on goal are 17-8 for Pittsburgh.
Major boos as horn goes to end-1st. #Sabres lead 1-0. Shots are 17-8 for #Pens and Crosby has lots to say to the officials as they leave the ice.
Sabres up 1-0 after one period. Pens have a 17-8 shot advantage.
No goal again. Wow. #Sabres go 2 for 2. The crowd is irate but again, that's pretty clear. (That said, you know there's a couple penalties coming the #Pens way in this one now).
Another challenge. Goalie interference. And it might be. Guentzel was in UPL's grill. #Sabres #Pens
Guentzel scores on a deflection of a Crosby shot-pass. #Pens tie it at 1-1 with 1:05 left in first. Mittelstadt had control of that play in the zone. Didn't get the puck out. It never came out. #Sabres
O'Connor scores as #Pens really pressing. And just wait until you see the ridiculous backhand feed by Crosby. Good lord. 1-1 at 15:50. #Sabres
The board is catching up. Now has shots listed as 10-5 for #Pens over #Sabres with 12:26 left in 1st.
Crosby in alone. UPL save. Shots are 8-2 for #Pens through 5 1/2 minutes but the goalie has been sharp and his team has staked him to a 1-0 lead. #Sabres
Alex Tuch opens the scoring at 2:53 on the Sabres' second shot.
Skinner sent in by Thompson. Wide. And the puck comes back down and Tuch scores. Great pass by Clifton. All kinds of open ice. #Sabres lead 1-0 at 2:53.
.@BuffaloSabres game day skate in Pittsburgh. #Sabres vs. #Pens tonight @MSGNetworks @WGR550 https://t.co/RH0TREHSOP
Alex Tuch and Jordan Greenway are in tonight. #Sabres
The Sabres say through Don Granato that Tuch and Greenway are good to go tonight
Alex Tuch and Jordan Greenway, both of whom missed practice yesterday due to illness, are both on the ice this morning. #Sabres
Sabres making their way out for the morning skate. Looks like it’ll be an optional. Alex Tuch and Jordan Greenway are on the ice after missing practice yesterday. https://t.co/KsJfmJAgiq
Another game, another Joey Daccord big night. The #SeaKraken are in a playoff spot. They are winning, and getting goaltending with swagger. Big saves fueled big moments, like Yanni Gourde's 1-0 lead. “We were playing downhill after that." #SeaKraken https://t.co/09WfoALAdH
#Sabres say Tuch and Greenway both day to day due to illness.
A rare puck gets behind Joey Daccord with 7:40 to go in regulation, cutting the #SEAKraken lead to 3-1. Parker Kelly poked at a shot that came through a screen and puck trickled over the line. Daccord had blanked opponents for nearly eight periods prior. #NHL https://t.co/cHrYiLmPhG
Granato on Levi: "Tonight is an example of many nights where he's turned in great performances." #Sabres
#Sabres second in the NHL with 50 third-period goals and fourth with a plus-14 differential in the period.
Devon Levi's homecoming to Montreal ends with 6-1 Sabres win https://t.co/ftpGLmfiUU
Sabres take it with a 6-1 win. https://t.co/XFRCUfM76S
The Penguins (+130) win a high-scoring affair. 🐧😳 ✅ PIT +1.5 ✅ O 5.5 https://t.co/vbsxGyGb4j
Six Sabres had a multi-point game. Jeff Skinner: 1 goal and 3 assists. Tage Thompson: 2 goals and 1 assist. Alex Tuch: 2 assists. Jack Quinn: 1 goal and 1 assist. Rasmus Dahlin: 1 goal and 1 assist. Casey Mittelstadt: 1 goal and 1 assist.
Tage Thompson finished a 2-on-1 to score his second goal of the game. The Sabres are ahead 6-1 with just over a minute remaining.
And Tage Thompson scores on an assist from Jeff Skinner (who else?) as Sabres go up 6-1 on #Habs with 1:28 left in third period. #HabsIO
Sabres goalie and Montreal native Devon Levi putting on a show now with great glove save. #Habs #HabsIO
Sabres score empty-netter with 5:29 left on clock to go up 5-1 on #Habs #HabsIO
5-1 Sabres Rasmus Dahlin with the empty-net goal off a defensive-zone faceoff win.
The Sabres are closing in on their third consecutive game of 40-plus shots on goal. They're leading 4-1 with 6:41 left in regulation.
4-1 Sabres Jeff Skinner's second goal of the game and 17th of the season caps a stellar shift by the top line. No one on the Canadiens was in front of the net to stop him from stickhandling around Allen.
This might shock you, but Jeff Skinner has scored again on the Canadiens.
3-1 Sabres Jack Quinn goes off the post and in with 13:14 left in the third period. Huge goal. His fourth in seven games this season.
Sabres go up 3-1 on #Habs with 13:14 left in third period. #HabsIO
At the end of 40 minutes it's 2-1 Buff. Shots in the second were 14-6 Sabres
After 40: Sabres lead the Canadiens 2-1 and are up 27-21 in shots on goal.
The Sabres lead 2-1 at the end of the second period. They were in control until the shorthanded goal and outshot the Canadiens 13-6 that period. Nice work by Erik Johnson and Tuch on that late PK.
Brutal goal to allow. An ugly power play for the Sabres ends with a Dahlin turnover and Armia beating Levi with a shot from the left circle. Buffalo leading 2-1 with 6:41 left in the 2nd period.
Great goal by Joel Armia as #Habs cut Sabres lead to 2-1. First stealing the puck and then a wicked shot. Too bad he doesn't do this more often. #HabsIO
Joel Armia revenge game. 2-1 Sabres. LOL.
Sabres going back on the PP. Can they make it 3-for-4 tonight? #Habs #HabsIO
On this power play, Tuch finds Skinner on a bad angle, but his pinpoint shot goes in and the Sabres now have two power play goals, 2-0 Buff.
Jeff Skinner makes it two PP goals in a row for the Sabres. Side note: It feels like Jeff Skinner has scored in every single game he's ever played against the Canadiens.
Another power-play goal. Yes, you're reading that right. This time it's Skinner, lifts one under the crossbar. 2-0 Sabres
2-0 Sabres Another power-play goal. Jeff Skinner from Alex Tuch with 13:01 left in the 2nd period.
Sabres score a second power-play goal to go up 2-0 on #Habs with 13:01 left in second period #HabsIO
…a power…play…goal? Sabres made that look kind of easy. Great look from Skinner
1-0 Sabres. Skinner feeds Mittelstadt with cross-ice pass down low and Mittelstadt makes no mistake.
1-0 Sabres. Casey Mittelstadt from Jeff Skinner on the power play with 14:27 left in the 2nd period. Great job by Mittelstadt to crash the net once Skinner got the puck down low.
It's 0-0 between the Sabres and Canadiens at the end of the first period. Devon Levi and Jake Allen made 14 saves apiece.
Sabres get the first power play of the night. Armia off for hooking.
A couple of fantastic saves back-to-back while doing splits by Sabres goalie and Montreal native Devon Levi on #Habs Jesse Ylonen. #HabsIO
Three goals in 6:17 in the 617. Penguins up 2-1
Montreal native Devon Levi (Dollard-des-Ormeaux) making his first-ever start in goal at Bell Centre tonight with Buffalo Sabres. #Habs #HabsIO
Devon Levi leads the Sabres onto the ice for his first start in his hometown. https://t.co/ruKGevaFkd
"He was such a good goalie. ... Growing up watching him definitely gave me a lot of inspiration." More on #Buffalo #Sabres goalie Devon Levi's excitement for his first NHL game in #Montreal and a special text message he received from Carey Price: https://t.co/I0YaYSAhQB:
As #Sabres settle into having two goalies, Devon Levi prepares for his Montreal homecoming. “That’s going to be super-special. Being in that building will be really, really cool.” https://t.co/soVSb9J65A