Sabres defeat Canadiens in opener

The Buffalo Sabres secured a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in the opening game of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.

Buffalo's previously struggling power-play unit proved to be the difference, converting twice on three opportunities with goals from Bowen Byram and Ryan McLeod.

Montreal, the last remaining Canadian team in the playoffs, was unable to capitalize on its home-ice advantage as Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made several key saves.

The two teams will meet again for Game 2 on Friday night in Buffalo.