Sabres Edge Canadiens to Tie Heated Playoff Series 2-2
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By Milica Zivic
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Summary:
- Zach Benson scored the winner as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montréal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 4.
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves in a chaotic, review-filled matchup.
- The series, tied 2-2, is now heading back to Buffalo for Game 5.
The Buffalo Sabres managed to steady themselves in a playoff series that could be described as anything but predictable: they edged the Montréal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night, leveling their second-round matchup after losing the last game at two games apiece .
Action-Packed Game 4
Zach Benson was the one who brought the decisive blow at the beginning of the third period, when he scored on the power play from close range.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen also stood tall with 28 saves, helping Buffalo withstand a late Montréal push in a game riddled with penalties, stoppages, penalties, and video reviews.
Buffalo also got goals from Mattias Samuelsson and Tage Thompson, the latter coming in unusual fashion when a dump in attempt from center ice took a strange bounce and slipped past Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes.
Josh Doan contributed two assists as the Sabres rebounded from consecutive losses in which they were outscored heavily.
Montréal responded through Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield. Both players continued his strong postseason form with a first period power play goal.
Dobes ended the game with no less than 19 saves, not without being heavily tested in key moments, particularly late in the third when Buffalo pressed to protect its slim lead.
The Canadiens Seized the Momentum
Newhook managed to tie the game and Caufield put the Canadiens ahead before the end of the first period, energizing the Bell Centre crowd in a building already buzzing from a tense pregame atmosphere.
Buffalo regrouped dueing the second period, when Thompson’s fluky equalizer brought them back level and once again changed the tone. From there, both teams traded chances, with Luukkonen making several key stops, including a crucial save on Caufield during a power play.
The decisive moment was recorded early in the third when Benson managed to capitalize during a man advantage, shoveling the puck past Dobes from the edge of the crease.
Despite Montréal’s visible hard push, including an extended look with the extra attacker, Buffalo ultimately held firm to escape with the win.
The series now shifts back to Buffalo for Game 5, with both teams locked in a tight battle that has shown no sign of settling down.
Who will make it to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs Conference Finals? Odds and more available on selected sportsbooks.
