The Montreal Canadiens entered Game 2 under pressure after Buffalo exposed several defensive breakdowns and controlled long stretches of the series opener. With the second round quickly shifting in the Sabres’ favor, Montreal needed a sharper response from its core players and more consistency through all three zones.
The Canadiens answered with one of their most complete playoff efforts of the postseason, fueled by an early offensive push and cleaner puck management.
This bounce-back performance also led to an unexpected reaction from former Stanley Cup champion T. J. Oshie, who took issue with one particular moment involving a Montreal forward.
Montreal Canadiens Center Alex Newhook Gets Called Out by T.J. Oshie
Former Washington Capitals star T. J. Oshie weighed in on Alex Newhook after the Montreal Canadiens earned a 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series. Newhook played a major role in the victory, scoring two goals as Montreal evened the series at 1-1 following a frustrating Game 1 defeat.
Newhook wasted little time making an impact, opening the scoring just 1:36 into the game before adding another early goal in the second period. Montreal also received goals from Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier, and Nick Suzuki, while goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 28 shots to shut down Buffalo’s transition game and suffocate their comeback.
Although Oshie praised Newhook’s willingness to attack difficult scoring areas, he openly criticized the Canadiens forward’s goal celebration. After reposting the clip on X, Oshie wrote, “Love Newhook going to the hard areas and getting rewarded. But I cannot stand these kids scoring goals and then blatantly skating by their teammates to celebrate alone.”
Oshie continued by explaining why the moment stood out to him during a playoff game, adding, “If you go through 5 guys and score, then go ahead and do your thing. Any other scenario, give your teammates some love. Especially in playoffs!”
The comments quickly added another context to what was already a significant night for Newhook and the Canadiens. Montreal entered Game 2 needing a stronger effort after Buffalo controlled much of the opener with speed, pressure, and special teams execution. Instead of allowing the series to slip further away, the Canadiens responded with a far more aggressive start and cleaner defensive structure.
Newhook’s performance also continued what has quietly become an important postseason run for the 25-year-old forward. After missing four months earlier this season with a fractured ankle, he has returned to anchor Montreal’s second line alongside Jake Evans and rookie Ivan Demidov. He previously scored the Game 7 winner against the Tampa Bay Lightning and now has three playoff goals in Montreal’s current run.
Following the win, Newhook focused more on the team response than his individual night. “I think as a group we knew we needed a big effort tonight,” he said. “I think throughout the lineup, a lot of good games.”
