There was already plenty of emotion between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens after a series of scrums earlier in the game when Game 3 began. Beck Malenstyn collided with Jakub Dobes, and it was an immediate talking point in NHL updates and NHL news roundup discussions.
The game had playoff-level intensity from the opening period, with both teams battling around the net. The physical nature of the matchup increased as the Montreal Canadiens players responded strongly after their goalie went down. Jakub Dobes skated briefly towards the bench after the collision and spoke with trainers before returning to action. His quick recovery helped the Montreal Canadiens keep rolling in a crucial stretch of NHL Game 3.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes hit by Beck Malenstyn during Buffalo Sabres NHL game 3
Beck Malenstyn crashed into Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes midway through the second period on a drive to the crease. The contact sent Dobes to the ice, and play was stopped as officials tried to get the net back in place.
Malenstyn was immediately confronted by Montreal Canadiens skaters after the hit, leading to another scrum between Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens skaters. Things got chippy in today’s NHL game, and the officials finally had to split both sides apart.
Heavy contact, but Jakub Dobes was able to return to the net after a quick chat with Montreal Canadiens medical staff. His return brought stability to the Montreal Canadiens at a tense moment in the game.
The Buffalo Sabres were penalized on the play, and Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky cashed in on the power play shortly after. The goal gave the momentum to the Montreal Canadiens in the second period.
The incident quickly became the subject of debate throughout NHL match results coverage, with analysts wondering if Beck Malenstyn put in enough effort to avoid contact with Jakub Dobes. The clash figures to be a continuing storyline in the heated series between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens. The rivalry is expected to intensify further as the series continues unfolds dramatically.