3 Things to Watch: Sabres at Canadiens, Game 4 of Eastern 2nd Round (2026)

The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are set to face off in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round, with the Sabres making a change in goal and starting Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. This comes after a disappointing performance by Alex Lyon in Game 3, where he allowed five goals on 36 shots. The Sabres are looking to make some lineup adjustments, including bringing in Luke Schenn for Logan Stanley on defense and Konsta Helenius for Sam Carrick at forward. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are riding high after their two wins, scoring 11 goals in total, and are looking to continue their momentum. The series is tied at 2-1, and the Canadiens have a chance to become the first team to take a 3-1 lead in a best-of-7 series for the 30th time. The Sabres, however, are not without their own history of resilience, as they are 8-6 in Game 4 when trailing 2-1, including 2-1 on the road. The game promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to impose their will and manage the puck effectively. The Canadiens' rookie Ivan Demidov has been struggling to find his groove in the playoffs, but he is expected to get more touches and feel more comfortable with the puck as the series progresses. The Sabres, meanwhile, have been dealing with a host of defensive issues and a lack of puck management, with 24 giveaways in the past two games. The game will be a test of both teams' ability to adjust and adapt, and the outcome will likely be decided by which team can impose their will and manage the puck effectively. The Sabres will need to find a way to counter the Canadiens' speed and skill, while the Canadiens will need to continue their strong play and maintain their lead. The series is far from over, and the next game will be a crucial one in determining which team advances to the next round.

3 Things to Watch: Sabres at Canadiens, Game 4 of Eastern 2nd Round (2026)

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