Sabres' Playoff Hopes Gone

MONTREAL (AP) -- Bryan Smolinski scored twice, Carey Price came within 8:30 of posting his second straight shutout, and the Montreal Canadiens beat Buffalo 3-1 on Thursday night, eliminating the Sabres from the playoff race.

Chris Higgins also scored for Montreal, which is tied with Pittsburgh atop the Eastern Conference with 102 points.

The Sabres' last game is Saturday against the Boston Bruins in Boston.

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