The Montreal Canadiens have quickly flipped the script of their second-round series after an unpleasant start against the Buffalo Sabres. Following defensive breakdowns in Game 1, Montreal responded with back-to-back victories built on cleaner puck movement, stronger structure, and contributions throughout the lineup.
The Canadiens will play again in Bell Centre for Game 4, holding a 2-1 series lead that has shifted the pressure onto Buffalo. As Montreal’s younger forwards continue producing offensively, one former NHL defenseman believes a returning blueliner has quietly changed the entire complexion of the series.
Jason Demers Highlights Noah Dobson’s Impact as Canadiens Beat Down on Sabres
Noah Dobson has become one of the biggest reasons behind Montreal’s turnaround against the Buffalo Sabres, according to former NHL defenseman and analyst Jason Demers.
After Montreal’s 6-2 victory in Game 3 on Sunday, Demers shared his thoughts on social media while pointing directly toward Dobson’s importance on the Canadiens’ blueline. “You forget just how important Noah Dobson was to this D core. Such a difference for this Montreal squad,” Demers wrote on X.
The timing of the comments reflects how dramatically Montreal’s defensive play has improved since Dobson returned from injury during the opening round. Since rejoining the lineup in Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 26-year-old defenseman has helped stabilize the Canadiens’ top pairing while allowing coach Martin St. Louis to spread minutes more evenly across the defensive unit.
Montreal has now outscored Buffalo 11-3 over the last 2 games, with Dobson contributing at both ends of the ice. In Game 2, he recorded an assist, 5 blocked shots, and 5 shots on goal while helping limit Buffalo’s transition opportunities. His puck movement and composure under pressure have also helped Montreal exit the defensive zone far more efficiently compared to the series opener.
The Canadiens continued building off that structure during Sunday’s Game 3 win. Buffalo scored less than a minute into the opening period, but Montreal quickly regained control behind balanced scoring and improved special teams play. Alex Newhook scored twice for the second consecutive game, while Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kirby Dach also found the scoresheet.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes remained steady again with 26 saves, but Montreal’s defensive structure in front of him looked noticeably calmer compared to Game 1. Dobson’s return has played a major role in that steady hand.
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Head coach St. Louis credited his team for managing momentum swings more effectively throughout the game. “We had the momentum a lot,” the Canadiens coach said. “We kept it for a long time. Of course, you’re going to lose momentum, Buffalo is an excellent team, but we didn’t hurt ourselves too much when we lost it.”
That balance has become one of Montreal’s biggest strengths entering Game 4, and Dobson’s presence continues looking more valuable with every game in the series.
