The Buffalo Sabres are set to host Game 5 of their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday. The series is tied after the Sabres’ 3-2 road win in Game 4.
That Game 4 victory evened the series at two wins each, setting up a best-of-three finale. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
Sabres’ Gutsy Game 4 Performance
Game 4 was a “gutsy” win for the Sabres, who overcame obstacles to secure the victory. They successfully killed six penalties and navigated a lengthy review that nullified a goal. The Sabres also blocked a playoff-high 27 shots.
Josh Doan anticipates tight games ahead. He said both teams would aim to slow down the high-scoring pace seen in the first four games.
Home Ice Advantage for Buffalo
With the series tied, the Sabres now have home-ice advantage. Along with Game 5, KeyBank Center would also host a potential Game 7 next Monday.
“You realize how important home-ice advantage can be,” Doan said regarding the experience in Montreal. “And we can’t be throwing games away at home.”
Expected Lineups and Goaltending
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start in goal again after his 29-save performance in Game 4.
The Sabres are expected to maintain the same forward lines and defensive pairings. This includes forward Konsta Helenius, who played for 12:53 in his playoff debut. Luke Schenn is also expected to play, rotating his 5-on-5 minutes with the Sabres’ four left-shot defensemen.
Conor Timmins is in the lineup after missing the morning skate for maintenance.
- Radio: WGR 550 / Buffalo Sabres App (Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call)
- Pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.
Power Play Success and Veteran Presence
Jack Quinn commented on the Sabres’ recent power-play success. “I think we’ve just found something that’s clicked a little bit. We’ve won some faceoffs, played in the zone a little more. You see teams for a full series and kind of start to get an idea of what you want to do. We’ve been able to execute a few times.”
Peyton Krebs spoke about Luke Schenn’s impact. “Older guy comes in into a younger group; I’m sure he wasn’t sure what to expect. He’s done a great job of just fitting right in, giving us tidbits here and there to allow us to be successful. And just being a great guy off the ice when he wasn’t playing. I thought he did a great job coming in last game – before the game, adds his piece and gets the guys motivated.”
Lindy Ruff on the keys to better puck play: For me, i
The margins could remain thin as both teams buckle down to try and earn a trip to the Eastern Conference Final.