In the opening of the third period at home against Montreal, Buffalo's team captain Rasmus Dahlin slammed in a powerful slapshot to make it 4-4. It was the Swedish defenseman's third goal this NHL season and his 13th point overall, after he also recorded an assist in the match.
Shortly after, John-Jason Peterka also made it 5-4 to Buffalo, but there was no winning goal. Emil Heineman saw to that.
The 22-year-old forward left Leksand and SHL after the 2022-2023 season, but had to settle for four NHL matches last season and play with Montreal's farm team.
Now Heineman has taken a regular spot in Montreal and against Buffalo, he scored his third goal of the season - and of his career - in the NHL. Just over halfway through the third period, the Swede glided into the slot and beautifully placed the 5-5 puck behind Devon Levi in Buffalo's goal.
At 12:58, Cole Caufield could then score 6-5 on a power play - the goal was his second of the day and 12th overall, which puts him at the top of NHL's scoring league.
In the final stages, Buffalo pulled their goalie in pursuit of an equalizer, but when Dahlin lost the puck at the offensive blue line, Christian Dvorak could secure the away win at 7-5 in an empty net.
The win was much-needed for Montreal. Before the away match against Buffalo, the team had six straight losses.
