Sabres Stun Canadiens in Game 1: How Buffalo’s Late Rally Reshaped the Playoff Series
MONTREAL — In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the NHL’s Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres dismantled the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, ending the Canadiens’ home opener with a statement victory. The Sabres, who had struggled in their first two playoff series, turned the tables on a Canadiens team that had dominated road teams all season, including a 24-game winning streak away from Bell Centre.
The win marked the first time the Sabres had defeated the Canadiens in the playoffs since 2019 and set the tone for what could be a highly competitive series. With the Canadiens’ goaltender, Jakub Dobes, making just 19 saves on 23 shots in the third period, the Sabres’ offensive firepower proved too much to handle. “We knew we had to come out and play with a lot of energy,” said Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin. “They’ve been a tough team to beat all year, but we didn’t give them a chance tonight.”
The game was a microcosm of the Sabres’ season-long evolution: a team that had spent the regular season rebuilding its identity now flexed its playoff muscles with a performance that left Canadiens fans and analysts alike questioning whether their team’s road dominance could translate to home ice.
How the Sabres Pulled Off the Upset
The Sabres’ victory hinged on two key factors: late-period scoring and goaltending resilience. With the score tied 1-1 midway through the second period, Buffalo’s first line—led by Dahlin, Jason Robertson, and Casey Bailey—began to dictate play. The turning point came at 7:30 remaining in the third period when Tyson Kozak, making his first NHL goal of the season, tied the game with a slapshot from the left circle. Just 12 seconds later, Jiri Kulich sealed the win with a backhand shot after navigating traffic in the offensive zone.
Game Statistics at a Glance
- Sabres Shots on Goal: 23 (12 in the third period)
- Canadiens Shots on Goal: 18 (6 in the third period)
- Faceoff Win %: Sabres 58% (up from 42% in the first period)
- Power Play Opportunities: Sabres 3/5, Canadiens 0/2
- Key Save: Alex Lyon (Sabres goaltender) stopped Oliver Kapanen’s breakaway in the first period that would have made the score 2-0 Canadiens.
Coach Ruff’s Adjustments and Player Momentum
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff credited his team’s ability to adapt mid-game as the decisive factor. “We didn’t break the puck out well in the first period,” Ruff said in post-game remarks. “But once we got going in the second, we started to create more. The guys responded when they needed to.”
Dahlin echoed Ruff’s sentiment, noting the Canadiens’ defensive structure had been exposed by Buffalo’s offensive shifts. “They were reading us very well in the first period,” Dahlin said. “But we changed our approach, and that’s what got us the win.”
Jiri Kulich (Sabres forward): “First four games were terrible from my side, so had to change something. Tonight, I got more involved, and it paid off.”
Canadiens’ Road Dominance Crumbles at Home
The Canadiens’ 24-game road winning streak this season had made them one of the NHL’s most feared away teams. Though, the Sabres’ victory exposed a potential weakness: home-ice consistency. Montreal had gone 1-2 in their last three series at Bell Centre, including a loss to the Boston Bruins in the first round.
Canadiens forward Oliver Kapanen, who scored the team’s first goal, acknowledged the struggles. “We came out with a lot of energy, but Buffalo matched us shot for shot ” Kapanen said. “We’ll have to regroup quickly for Game 2.”
Series Implications: Can the Sabres Sustain the Momentum?
With the series tied at 1-1 heading to Buffalo, the Sabres now hold the momentum. Their next challenge will be maintaining this offensive intensity at KeyBank Center, where they’ve struggled in recent playoff games (1-2 record in the Bruins series). However, their road success in Boston—winning all three games—suggests they can perform under pressure.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, will need to address their goaltending concerns. Dobes, who allowed four goals in the loss, will face scrutiny as the series shifts to Buffalo. “We’ll have to secure better in front of our net,” said Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis. “Buffalo’s offense is dangerous, and we can’t afford another night like this.”
Key Takeaways from Game 1
- Sabres’ Late Surge: Buffalo’s third-period scoring (3 goals in 10 minutes) defined the game.
- Canadiens’ Goaltending Fails: Dobes allowed four goals, including two empty-netters.
- Home-Ice Struggles: Montreal’s road dominance doesn’t translate seamlessly to Bell Centre.
- Series Momentum: The Sabres now lead the series 1-0, but the Canadiens will need a strong Game 2.
- Offensive Shift: Dahlin, Kulich, and Kozak emerged as key playmakers.
What to Watch in Game 2
Game 2 tips off at 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, May 10, at KeyBank Center. Key storylines include:
- Can the Sabres replicate their third-period offense at home?
- Will Dobes regain his form, or will Montreal turn to Caleb Jones as a backup?
- How will the Canadiens adjust their defensive structure to counter Buffalo’s power play?
For live updates, follow NHL.com’s Sabres coverage and Canadiens updates. The next game will air on TSN and RDS in Canada, with NBCSN carrying the broadcast in the U.S.
What do you think? Will the Sabres’ momentum carry them to a series sweep, or will the Canadiens bounce back in Buffalo? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for exclusive playoff coverage.