Canadiens 2, Sabres 1 (SO): PA Parenteau scored the deciding goal in the third round of the shootout as visiting Montreal halted its three-game winless streak (0-2-1).

After Zemgus Girgensons was denied by Dustin Tokarski on Buffalo's third attempt, Parenteau - who also tallied in regulation - skated in on Michal Neuvirth and beat the netminder high to the glove side for his league-leading third game-deciding shootout goal. Tokarski made 31 saves as the Canadiens won for just the second time in six contests.

Drew Stafford scored for the Sabres, who fell to 1-4-2 at home this season. Defenseman Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis each recorded an assist while Neuvirth turned aside 31 shots.

The contest was scoreless until the opening minute of the third period, when Montreal broke through against Neuvirth. Defenseman P.K. Subban unleashed a one-timer from the left point that was stopped, but Parenteau swept in the rebound from the doorstep at the 19-second mark for his third goal.

Buffalo answered on the power play less than three minutes later. After Myers lost control of the puck while driving to the net from the right faceoff circle, Stafford buried it from the left side of the crease to forge a tie.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The contest marked the second time this season Buffalo held an opponent without a goal through two periods. The first was in a 2-1 triumph at San Jose on Oct. 25. ... Four of Montreal's five road victories have been via shootouts. ... The Sabres were held to fewer than three goals for the 13th time in 14 games this season.