MONTREAL, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Jose Theodore stopped 34 shots and Pierre Dagenais and Saku Koivu scored first-period goals as Montreal posted a 3-1 victory over Buffalo Sabres.
The Canadians have a five-game unbeaten streak.
Montreal dominated the opening period, outshooting Buffalo, 20-9. The Sabres carried the play most of the rest of the way but repeatedly were foiled by Theodore, who has given up just eight goals in his last seven games.
Dagenais got to a rebound of defenseman Craig Rivet's right point shot and slid it under goaltender Martin Biron at 6:07 of the first period to put Montreal in front for good.
Koivu made it 2-0 just under 5 1/2 minutes later.
Defenseman Alexei Zhitnik spoiled Theodore shutout bid with 15:59 left in the third period, but Mike Ribeiro sealed the
win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
