Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault stops Buffalo Sabres' Ryan McLeod during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)

Montreal Canadiens' Joel Armia scores against Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)

Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson (48) and Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson (72) vie for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)

Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine (92) celebrates with teammate Juraj Slafkovsky after scoring against the Buffalo Sabres during first period NHL hockey action in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)

A member of the ice cleaning crew picks up caps following the third goal by Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)

Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine (92) celebrates with teammate Juraj Slafkovsky after scoring his third goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Graham/The Canadian Press via AP)