MONTREAL – Andrei Markov scored Montreal’s third goal of the second period to send the Canadiens to a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

Andrei Kostitsyn and Steve Begin also scored in the middle period for Montreal.

Thomas Vanek scored twice for Buffalo to regain the NHL scoring lead from Philadelphia’s Jeff Carter with 17 goals.

The Sabres have lost nine of their past 12 games (3-8-1).

Carey Price made 26 saves to win his second in a row.

Montreal, which improved to 4-2-2 in its past eight games, began its longest homestand in team history. The Canadiens, who are celebrating their 100th season, will also face Atlanta, the New York Rangers, New Jersey, Calgary, Tampa Bay and Washington during their homestand, which ends Dec. 13.