Sabres Seek to Even Series Against Canadiens in Game 4 The Buffalo Sabres aim to even their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The Canadiens hold a 2-1 series advantage, marking the first time the Sabres have trailed in a playoff series this season. Despite the challenge, coach Lindy Ruff emphasized the team’s resilience, citing their journey from last place in the Eastern Conference in early December to this critical juncture. “You’ve got to reset,” Ruff said. “Playoffs is about the next game. It’s not about the past one. The only thing we can control now is Game 4.” The Sabres’ struggles in the series have centered on their decision-making with the puck, a recurring issue in their last two losses and even in their Game 1 victory. Turnovers have fueled the Canadiens’ high-octane offense, which has been one of the most dangerous in the league. In Game 3, the Sabres compounded their difficulties with five offensive-zone penalties, leading to two power-play goals for Montreal. Zach Benson, a key player, acknowledged the team’s need to return to their game. “I don’t think we’ve played our best this series yet,” Benson said. “We’ve just got to get back to our game: playing predictable, playing quick, and just compete all over the ice.” Lineup changes were confirmed ahead of Game 4, with several adjustments aimed at addressing the team’s challenges. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the Sabres’ goaltender, will start for the first time since Game 2 against Boston. Konsta Helenius, a 20-year-old rookie, makes his playoff debut, centering Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn. Helenius, who had four points in his NHL debut this season, brings fresh energy to the lineup. Ryan McLeod is moved to the fourth line, while Sam Carrick remains sidelined.#buffalo_sabres #lindy_ruff #zach_benson #montreal_canadiens #alex_newhook
Sabres Projected Lineup for Kings Game The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Los Angeles Kings in a matchup featuring their projected starting lineup. The Sabres, with a record of 43-20-6, will take the ice with Zach Benson, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch forming the top line. Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn will round out the second line, while Noah Ostlund, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan will play on the third line. Peyton Krebs, Sam Carrick, and Beck Malenstyn will form the fourth line, with Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson on the power play. Bowen Byram and Owen Power will serve as the first pair, followed by Logan Stanley and Zach Metsa. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start in goal. Several players are scratched for the game, including Luke Schenn, Michael Kesselring, and Josh Dunne. Injuries also impact the roster, with Tanner Pearson (lower body), Colten Ellis (undisclosed), Tyson Kozak (undisclosed), Jordan Greenway (middle body), Conor Timmins (broken leg), Jiri Kulich (blood clot), and Justin Danforth (lower body) listed as unavailable. The Sabres held an optional practice on Friday, and Luukkonen is the only expected lineup change following their 5-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Kings' projected lineup includes Artemi Panarin, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe on the top line, with Trevor Moore, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere forming the second line. Alex Turcotte, Scott Laughton, and Joel Armia will play on the third line, while Jeff Malott, Samuel Helenius, and Taylor Ward will form the fourth line. Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty will be the first pair, with Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke on the power play. Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci will serve as the defense pair. Scratched players for the Kings include Mathieu Joseph, Jacob Moverare, and Jared Wright.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #zach_benson #alex_tuch
