| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| MTL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Sabres, Second Round Game 4, beat Canadiens 3–2 at Bell Centre on May 12, 2026.
The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens faced off in a pivotal Game 4 of the Second Round, tying the series at 2-2 with a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Sabres. With both teams competing fiercely, the Sabres' win allows them to shift momentum in their favor as they look to advance in this best-of-7 showdown.
The series is now tied at two games apiece. This win is crucial for the Sabres, who were under pressure to even the series after trailing 2-1. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, and this victory creates a competitive edge as they head into Game 5.
The turning point of the game came early in the third period after the Canadiens led 2-1. Zach Benson's goal at 4:41, assisted by Josh Doan and Tage Thompson, not only gave the Sabres a critical lead but also swung the momentum in their favor. The Canadiens had started strong, scoring twice in the first period, but the Sabres rallied with two unanswered goals to claw back and take control of the game.
For the Sabres, Zach Benson was a key contributor, scoring the game-winning goal and showcasing his offensive instincts. Tage Thompson also stood out, scoring the equalizer in the second period and adding an assist on Benson's goal. Meanwhile, for the Canadiens, Alex Newhook continued his impressive playoff performance with a goal, keeping the pressure on the Sabres throughout the game.
In terms of statistics, the Canadiens outshot the Sabres 30 to 22, highlighting their offensive effort. However, the Sabres capitalized on their power play opportunities, striking twice when it mattered the most. This exemplified their ability to make plays under pressure.
As the series shifts to Game 5, the intensified competition will only grow, with both teams eager to seize the upper hand. The next game promises to be crucial, as the Canadiens look to recapture their advantage, while the Sabres aim to ride the momentum of this vital victory. Fans can expect an exciting matchup ahead as these two teams continue to battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Sabres won 3–2.
The final score was Sabres 3, Canadiens 2.
Mattias Samuelsson, Tage Thompson, Zach Benson.
Alex Newhook, Cole Caufield.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 29 saves on 31 shots (.935 save percentage).
Jakub Dobes made 19 saves on 22 shots (.864 save percentage).
At Bell Centre in Montréal, the Canadiens home rink.
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