In the fiercely competitive second round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres emerged victorious over the Montreal Canadiens with a thrilling Game 4 matchup. Zach Benson, the 13th player in NHL history to score a playoff-winning goal on his birthday, added his own milestone to the tally when he scored the go-ahead goal on the power play early in the third period. Tage Thompson, who had a goal and an assist, helped the Sabres secure the 3-2 win, while Josh Doan contributed two assists for the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres coach, Lindy Ruff, praised the tightness of the team’s performance, stating they were finally on the right path after a series of loose plays. Despite some challenges, the Sabres managed to close the series with a strong power-play streak and a well-executed final game. Montreal’s defense, led by Martin St. Louis, faced a tough test when their rookie forward, Konsta Helenius, interfered with Dobes’ shot, forcing a late overtime rally. Meanwhile, Alex Newhook, the Sabres’ fifth playoff goal, and Cole Caufield, the Canadiens’ second playoff goal, highlighted the team’s resilience. This victory underscores the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and strategic play in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
