Special-teams shortcomings stung the Buffalo Sabres – and cost them a point in the standings – as they lost 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Monday. The Sabres overcame a three-goal deficit in the final 22 minutes of regulation before Montreal’s Mike Matheson scored the 3-on-3 game winner.

Mike Matheson scored at 1:21 of overtime to lift the surging Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Nick Suzuki had a goal and three assists for the Canadiens who, despite blowing a 3-0 lead,

Mike Matheson scored at 1:21 of overtime to lift the surging Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Nick Suzuki had a goal and three assists for the Canadiens who, despite blowing a 3-0 lead,

It’s speculation season in the NHL as the trade deadline is right around the corner. Sellers are selling, while bubble teams and contenders look to add to what they’ve already got for a strong playoff run.

It’s impressive that Habs are in playoff mix only three years into rebuilding process, with the NHL trade deadline looming.

The Sharks had gone winless in eight straight games prior to their shootout victory in Toronto on Monday, though three of those losses were decided by one goal. Tyler Toffoli scored his team-leading 23rd goal in the win over the Maple Leafs.

NHL trade deadline is less than 48 hours away, with some big-name players projected to be traded by Friday. Some names to watch include New York Islanders Brock Nelson, Pittsburgh Penguins Rickard Rakall as well as Vancouver Canucks Brock Boeser.

Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist, Sam Montembeault made 25 saves and the Montreal Canadiens beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2 on Saturday night.