The Buffalo Sabres recognize they have not been playing at the level that carried them to the top of the Atlantic Division during the regular season.
After securing a win in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo dropped Game 2 by a 5-1 margin and followed it with a 6-2 defeat in Game 3 on Sunday. Heading into Game 4 on Tuesday in Montreal, the Sabres trail the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (15) scores an empty-net goal as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends during the third period of Game 3 in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 10, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
Buffalo struck first just 53 seconds into Game 3, silencing the rowdy Montreal crowd. However, poor decisions with the puck and a departure from their tight defensive structure against the Canadiens’ fast, dynamic offense forced the Sabres to play from behind for the remainder of the night.
“Very much self-inflicted. It’s all on our decisions and our will and our compete,” winger Alex Tuch said. “We’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and get back to the game we know we can play and the game that’s been successful for us.”
Tuch has already started that self-reflection. The 30-year-old, who led Buffalo with seven points (four goals, three assists) in the first round against the Boston Bruins, has been held pointless in this series against Montreal.
Known for his strong two-way play, including an elite ability to strip pucks and force turnovers while also scoring, Tuch looked far from that version of himself in Game 3.
“I don’t think we want to forget about that feeling last night. Me personally, I think that was probably — it’s definitely my worst defensive game in the playoffs,” Tuch said. “So I’m not going to forget that feeling. But yeah, I think it’s only 2-1 in the series. We have to come out flying (Tuesday). No excuses, we’ve just got to be a lot better.”
On the other side, the Canadiens are seeking a third consecutive win in the series to push Buffalo to the brink of elimination. Sunday marked the first time this postseason that Montreal has won back-to-back games.
“It’s the biggest game for them,” Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle said. “They don’t want to go down 3-1. I think we just have to keep playing our game. Don’t overthink it too much. Not that we were nervous (before), but we might have been playing on our heels a little bit. We’ve got to play on our toes, keep bringing it to them and keep playing our game. We’ll be just fine.”
Montreal has been executing that plan and has benefited from timely secondary scoring. Forward Alex Newhook has been the biggest contributor in that area, with four of his team-leading five goals coming over the past two games.
“I’m feeling good,” Newhook said. “We’re getting scoring from everyone. Contributions from everyone. I believe in myself. I’m trying to prove to myself and this team that I can help out and be a part of a winning team. That’s the only thing that’s on my mind. I believe in what I can be as a player. These big moments are what you play for. I’m just doing what I can to help the team.”
