BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Jonathan Drouin scored the lone shootout goal in rallying the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

Jason Pominville scored twice in his first game back with Buffalo since being reacquired in a trade with Minnesota in June. Robin Lehner stopped 38 shots and the Sabres earned one point in Phil Housley's debut as coach.

Jack Eichel set up Pominville's second goal with a perfect cross-ice feed two days after the 20-year-old franchise player signed an eight-year, $80 million extension. 

The Sabres were up 2-1 but Phillip Danault forced overtime by scoring a short-handed goal on a wraparound with 11:59 left. Max Pacioretty also scored for Montreal. Carey Price stopped 43 shots through overtime and all three shootout attempts following an offseason in which he signed an eight-year, $84 million contract.