Jake Evans’ Late Empty-Net Goal Seals Canadiens’ Hard-Fought 4-2 Victory Over Sabres in Tense Showdown

"It wasn’t a perfect game, but the team fought hard and showed the kind of resilience we need. Every player contributed, and I’m proud of how we closed it out. Jake’s empty-net goal was a testament to our determination, and it was important for us to finish strong." — Martin St-Louis, Head Coach, Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens secured a much-needed 4-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night, with Jake Evans sealing the win with his first goal of the game

, an empty-netter that came on his eighth shot of the night. Although it was a late goal, it was just as important as any other in a game that was far from easy.

The Canadiens started strong, dominating the Sabres in the opening period with a 14-6 shot advantage. Oliver Kapanen opened the scoring midway through the first after a series of well-executed plays that started with

Alexandre Carrier winning a puck battle along the boards. Alex Newhook passed to Ivan Demidov, whose near-miss resulted in the puck finding Kapanen for a backhand goal past Alex Lyon
, starting in place of the injured Ukko-Pekka Luukonen.

Despite a 1-0 lead, the game wasn’t without its challenges. Both teams were banged up, with key players like

Josh Norris and Michael Kesselring out for Buffalo, and Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Kaiden Guhle sidelined for Montreal. The Sabres capitalized on a miscue in the second period, as

Jiri Kulich tied the game after a giveaway in the Canadiens’ zone, shifting the momentum toward Buffalo.

However, Lane Hutson redeemed himself in the third period, scoring the eventual game-winning goal.

Newhook forced a giveaway deep in the Sabres’ zone, feeding Hutson, who beat Lyon cleanly for a 3-1 lead. Despite a quick response from Tyson Kozak, who tipped in a pass from

Jack Quinn, the Canadiens held strong, with Evans putting the finishing touch on the game by sealing it with an empty-net goal.

Head coach Martin St-Louis acknowledged the hard-fought nature of the victory, praising the team’s resilience despite defensive lapses:

“It wasn’t a perfect game, but the team fought hard and showed the kind of resilience we need. Every player contributed, and I’m proud of how we closed it out. Jake’s empty-net goal was a testament to our determination, and it was important for us to finish strong."

With the win, the Canadiens improved to 3-1 on their first homestand of the season. As they prepare for their four-game road trip, starting on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames

, they will look to carry the momentum from this victory. The Sabres, who drop to 2-4, will head home to face the Detroit Red Wings on the same day.

"Chris Olave Breaks Silence on Trade Rumors: ‘I Want to Be Here Long Term, But I Know How Business Works’"

The New Orleans Saints are sending mixed signals about the future of

Chris Olave, sparking a wave of trade speculation that has NFL insiders and fans buzzing. While Olave has confirmed ongoing discussions with the Saints about a long-term contract extension
, uncertainty remains about whether the team will truly hold on to their star wide receiver.

Olave’s confirmation of contract talks with the Saints came as a sign of hope for fans, suggesting that the

Saints may be committed to retaining him despite their disappointing 1-6 start. However, with the NFL trade deadline approaching, rumors are running rampant, and teams like the New England Patriots
and New York Giants have emerged as potential suitors.

Olave Responds to Trade Speculation:

Amid these trade talks, Olave himself addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future. In a candid statement, he said:

“I’ve always said I want to be here long term, and the talks with the Saints have been positive. But I know how business works. If a trade happens, I’ll adjust, but right now, I’m focused on helping this team win. Whatever happens, I’ll give everything for this organization while I’m here.”

His words reflect both his loyalty to the Saints and the professionalism required in the NFL, where trade rumors and speculation are a constant part of the business.

Patriots Eyeing Olave as a Reclamation Project:

As the trade rumors swirl, New England Patriots fans are hoping for a chance to land Olave. With the Patriots at 5-2 and coming off a 31-13 win over Tennessee, the team is looking to bolster their receiving corps for the future.

Albert Breer, a respected NFL analyst, noted that New England is targeting players nearing the end of their rookie deals who might not be signed long-term by their current teams. This has fueled speculation that the

Patriots could make a move for Olave, a player who, despite his recent struggles, still holds immense potential.

Olave’s time in New Orleans has been turbulent due to injuries and a team in transition, but the stability that New England could offer might provide the reset he needs.

Breer pointed out that the Patriots could offer 2026 second- and sixth-round picks to outbid other teams, making them a serious contender for his services. However, if the Saints are indeed committed to Olave’s future in New Orleans, they would likely avoid trading him.

Giants See Olave as a Perfect Fit:

In addition to the Patriots, the New York Giants have also been linked to Olave. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman recently proposed a trade to send Olave to New York, where he would pair with quarterback

Jaxson Dart in 2026. Rotman described this as an ideal fit, adding that the combination of Olave and Malik Nabers could make the Giants’ offense explosive in the coming years. However, given the

Saints’ ongoing extension talks with Olave, this scenario seems unlikely.

Saints at a Crossroads:

As Olave’s future hangs in the balance, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads. If they decide to

rebuild, trading a player with Olave’s talent would make sense. But if they intend to contend in the coming years, keeping him would be essential. Olave, for his part, remains focused on his current role with the team, even as his future is uncertain.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, all eyes will be on New Orleans to see if they pull the trigger on a deal or keep their star receiver for the long haul. The next few weeks will be crucial, not just for the Saints, but for Chris Olave’s career as well. Will he stay in New Orleans, or will the Patriots or Giants swoop in and steal him away?

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