BUFFALO | Whether it’s the Stanley Cup Final or just the fifth game of the season, David Savard only knows one way to play. We saw another example of his commitment on Monday evening, in the third period of the game against the Sabres.

• Also read: The third line has the last laugh in Buffalo

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While the Habs were a man down, the defenseman blocked two one-timers from Tage Thompson in quick succession in the same sequence. The first caused so much pain in his left hand that he lost his stick, while the second caused the blade of his right skate to completely explode. Faced with his teammates’ inability to clear the puck, he did everything he could to stay involved in the game.

“Savvy is ready to do everything to help the team,” praised Martin St-Louis at the end of this 3-1 win.

At this point, the Habs were trying to maintain a low priority on one target. However, his mishap made his teammates laugh.

“It was hard not to laugh at the situation he found himself in,” St-Louis said, still in awe. He blocked a big throw, got hurt, blocked another, and lost his blade. Still, he wanted to try and block the next one to do what he could. »

Savard was eventually able to leave the ice and immediately went to the locker room. Since he could not be made available to the media after the meeting, we suspect that his hand must have been in poor condition.

“He will be judged. I have no idea,” said the Canadian coach.

A tough guy

In this win, Jake Allen blocked 36 shots. Which didn’t stop him from highlighting the work of Savard, perhaps his main accomplice, whose evening work ended after five blocked shots.

“It’s hard to put into words everything he does for the team. Whether on the ice or outside. For him, the team always comes first. We saw it clearly in this sequence. I hope it will be correct. When you see this kind of sacrifice, it forces everyone to give a little more. »

“I can only congratulate him on staying close on one skate and trying to keep his balance and do his job,” the goalie continued.

Jake Evans sat in the front row and witnessed the event. He tried to help his teammate by handing him his stick.

“All I wanted to do was block a shot for him. I knew he was in pain. “He’s probably the toughest guy on our team,” Evans said. It sends the message that we must be willing to do whatever we can. »

Allen and Savard aren’t the only two veterans who have paved the way for the Canadian. Brendan Gallagher also contributed to this victory with a goal and an assist, as did Tanner Pearson with his third goal of the season.