In Game 4 of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres edged out the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, tying the series at 2-2. After a straightforward victory in the series opener against a fatigued Canadiens team coming off a seven-game battle with Tampa, the Sabres faced growing challenges.
Montreal showcased newfound versatility in the playoffs, deploying four dangerous lines that made it difficult for opponents to target specific combinations. Under head coach Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens’ depth became a major factor. Additionally, their power play, which struggled in the latter half of the Tampa series, came alive in Game 3. The unit featuring Hutson, Demidov, Slafkovsky, Caufield, and Suzuki caused serious trouble for the Sabres, potentially scoring more than two goals.
Buffalo knew they couldn’t afford to fall into a 3-1 series hole. They started aggressively, and Josh Dunne, Norris, and Samuelsson combined for a slick three-way passing play to open the scoring just 6:32 into the first period. Josh Dunne, son of NHL legend Shane Dunne, extended his assist streak to five consecutive playoff games, closing in on Gilbert Perreault’s franchise record of seven straight games with an assist set in 1981.
The Sabres continued to press and thought they had scored a second goal, but it was disallowed after a video review. This moment turned the tide. Montreal’s Newhook, set up by Demidov and Evans, netted his fifth goal in three games to tie the score 1-1. Then, late in the first period, Caufield capitalized on a power play to put the Canadiens ahead 2-1.
Montreal avoided any further lapses, and Buffalo struggled to generate offense through the neutral zone. However, the Sabres didn’t need to. Awarded a four-minute power play, Tage Thompson fired a shot from just over the red line that took a bizarre deflection off the boards and behind goalie Dobes to tie the game at 2-2 early in the second period. That fluke goal proved crucial.
In the third period, Buffalo’s power play struck again. Dunne drew defenders and found Benson in the slot, who beat the goaltender with an off-hand shot to make it 3-2 with about 15 minutes remaining. From there, the Sabres locked down defensively, allowing the Canadiens no clear chances to equalize. Buffalo secured a come-from-behind victory to even the series. The teams now head back to Buffalo for a pivotal Game 5.