Sabres Seize Momentum in Gritty Game 4 Win
The Eastern Conference semifinal between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens now stands on even footing, following a hard-fought 3-2 Sabres victory in Game 4 at Montreal. The decisive goal, scored by Zach Benson on a third-period power play, not only secured the win but also marked a memorable 21st birthday celebration for the young forward, dramatically shifting the series momentum back to Buffalo.
Benson’s game-winning tally came at 4:41 of the final frame, capitalizing on a holding penalty assessed to Montreal’s Jake Evans. Positioned in the slot, Benson skillfully controlled a pass from Josh Doan, directed the puck to his stick, and executed a backhand shot past Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes. This critical conversion underscores the importance of special teams play, especially in tight playoff contests.
Strategic Goaltending Change Pays Dividends
A notable strategic adjustment by the Sabres coaching staff proved instrumental in this turnaround. After dropping Games 2 and 3 with Alex Lyon in net, Buffalo reinstated Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen, who had not seen action since being pulled in Game 2 of the first-round series against Boston, delivered a composed performance, stopping 28 of 30 shots. His solid outing provided the necessary stability, preventing Montreal from building significant offensive traction and validating the coaching staffs decision to make the change.
Buffalo’s offensive contributions extended beyond Benson. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson initiated the scoring in the first period, while Tage Thompson netted the equalizer in the second. Thompson’s goal, a fortunate deflection off the glass and then Dobes’ skate during a four-minute power play, illustrates how even fortuitous bounces can alter game trajectories. Josh Doan also registered two assists, highlighting his playmaking presence.
Power Play Efficiency and Missed Opportunities
Despite the Sabres’ successful power play in the third period, special teams were a mixed bag. Montreal’s power play unit continued to struggle, converting just one of seven opportunities. Cole Caufield’s late first-period goal on the man-advantage was the Canadiens’ sole power-play marker. Conversely, Montreal failed to capitalize on a four-minute power play of their own after Bowen Byram was penalized for high-sticking Alexandre Texier, a critical missed chance to extend their lead.
The game also featured a significant video review incident. Buffalo initially appeared to take a 2-0 lead on a Jack Quinn shot that video confirmed crossed the goal line. However, Montreal successfully challenged for goalie interference on Konsta Helenius, nullifying the goal. This sequence, followed quickly by Alex Newhook’s equalizer and Caufield’s go-ahead goal, demonstrated the fine margins and pivotal moments that define playoff hockey. With the series now tied, Game 5 in Buffalo on Thursday night becomes a pivotal contest, with the winner positioned to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final.
