Though streaky this season, the Buffalo Sabres’ power play has the talent – especially the quarterback up top – to get hot at any moment. Rasmus Dahlin led that charge Wednesday at KeyBank Center, scoring two power-play goals in a 5-2 Sabres win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal NHL game from 16 January 2026 on ESPN (AU).

In a thrilling encounter at KeyBank Center, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Buffalo Sabres, ultimately losing the match 5-3. This game not only showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams but also highlighted individual achievements and the impact of special teams play.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is also the most uncomfortable. The Flyers don’t look lost, per se. They look slightly disconnected. Reads are being made, but a fraction late. Plays are being drawn up, but not finished cleanly. That gap is manageable...until it isn’t.

Late in the game, the Sabres were clinging to a lead as the Canucks were pressing for a comeback. As a Canucks player carried the puck through the neutral zone, Zach Benson hustled back, lifted his stick and stole the puck before the offensive rush could even get started.

Tage Thompson scored a hat trick that included his 200th career goal to punctuate a five-point night and lead the Sabres to a 5-3 victory against the Montreal Canadiens in front of a full crowd indulging in the aura of one of Buffalo’s most memorable hockey seasons.

The 2005-06 Reunion Night was a memorable event that highlighted the legacy of the Sabres while showcasing the talents of current players like Josh Doan, Tage Thompson, and Rasmus Dahlin. As the team looks to the future, fans can take pride in both the history and the promising potential of their beloved Sabres.

It was reunion week in Buffalo, offering Lindy Ruff an opportunity to reminisce about the franchise’s memorable past, and provide a glimpse into what could well be a bright future. Among the laughs and stories the Sabres’ winningest coach shared with members of the 2005-06 team,

The game winner, too, belonged to Thompson. A ferocious third-period wall battle by Peyton Krebs sprung Doan and Thompson on a mini 2-on-1, and Montreal goaltender Jacob Fowler was again helpless against No. 72’s shot – point No. 4.