| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| BUF | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Sabres, Second Round Game 1, beat Canadiens 4–2 at KeyBank Center on May 6, 2026.
The Buffalo Sabres kicked off their Second Round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in style, securing a 4-2 victory in Game 1. With this win, the Sabres lead the best-of-7 series 1-0, setting an energetic tone for the rest of the match-up. Both teams looked to establish an early advantage, but it was the Sabres who carried the momentum into Game 2.
The first period showcased the Sabres' offensive prowess, as they struck quickly with two goals from Josh Doan and Ryan McLeod. This early lead gave them a significant boost, igniting their home crowd at the KeyBank Center. The Canadiens managed to claw back slightly with a late goal from Nick Suzuki, cutting the deficit to 2-1 just before the period ended. However, the Sabres' third goal from Jordan Greenway early in the second period halted any momentum Montreal had started to build. The gap widened to 4-1 after Bowen Byram's goal later in the second, effectively sealing the result despite Kirby Dach’s response for the Canadiens.
Josh Doan made an immediate impact, netting the opening goal and assisting on Ryan McLeod's tally, showcasing his playmaking ability alongside Zach Benson, who also recorded two assists. Ryan McLeod's performance further solidified his role as a key contributor, while Jordan Greenway added to his playoff heroics with a crucial goal. Defensively, the Sabres held strong against a persistent Canadiens offense that managed 28 shots but ultimately struggled to penetrate the Sabres' defense, which recorded 13 blocked shots.
On the Canadiens' side, Nick Suzuki provided a spark with his goal, aided by Juraj Slafkovsky’s assist. However, Montreal's efforts were met with a staunch Sabres defense, limiting their chances in critical moments of the game.
As the Sabres lead the series 1-0, both teams will prepare for Game 2, where the Canadiens will need to find ways to overcome Buffalo's advantage and break their home-ice momentum. The pressure is on Montreal to respond in order to level the series before heading back home. The next game is critical for the Canadiens to regain their footing in this playoff battle.
Sabres won 4–2.
The final score was Canadiens 2, Sabres 4.
Kirby Dach, Nick Suzuki.
Bowen Byram, Jordan Greenway, Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod.
Jakub Dobes made 12 saves on 16 shots (.750 save percentage).
Alex Lyon made 26 saves on 28 shots (.929 save percentage).
At KeyBank Center in Buffalo, the Sabres home rink.
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