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High-flying Sabres host Canadiens in Northeast Division clash

Nov 24, 2006 - 4:01 PM Montreal (12-5-3) at Buffalo (18-3-1) 8:00 pm EST

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- Daniel Briere and the Buffalo Sabres have been the class of the NHL over the first two months of the season. They hope to keep up their lightning-fast pace Friday when they host the Montreal Canadiens.

Off to the best start in franchise history, the Sabres lead the NHL in wins (18), points (37), and goals scored (101).

Buffalo once again flashed its offensive prowess Wednesday in a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Briere tallied twice and registered an assist for the Sabres, who rallied from a two-goal deficit and netted three unanswered tallies over the final 5 1/2 minutes.

Buffalo looks to continue its success against Northeast Division rival Montreal, which enters with four wins in its last five contests. The Sabres have won both meetings between the clubs this season, including a 4-1 victory in Montreal on October 23.

The surging Canadiens hope to carry some momentum from Wednesday's 4-2 triumph over the Minnesota Wild.

Radek Bonk scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and Alexei Kovalev added a goal and an assist for Montreal, which killed off all four of its penalties.