The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on May 12, 2026, to tie their playoff series at two games apiece [1].
This victory prevents Montreal from taking a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference second-round series. By evening the score at 2-2 [2], Buffalo shifts the momentum of the matchup as the teams prepare for the remaining games.
The contest took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal [3]. The game remained tight until the final frame, where Buffalo utilized a critical special-teams advantage to secure the win [4].
Zach Benson scored the go-ahead power-play goal early in the third period [5]. This play proved decisive, as the Canadiens were unable to overcome the deficit despite their own efforts on the man advantage [4].
Montreal did find success on their own special teams during the game. Cole Caufield scored a power-play goal for the Canadiens [6], but the team missed several other key opportunities to reclaim the lead [4].
The final score of 3-2 [1] reflects a defensive struggle that was ultimately decided by the efficiency of the Sabres' power play in the closing stages of the game. Both teams now enter the next phase of the series with an equal number of wins [2].
“Buffalo Sabres 3, Montreal Canadiens 2”
The series is now a deadlock, moving the advantage back to a neutral state. Buffalo's ability to execute on the power play in the third period highlights a tactical edge that Montreal must address to avoid falling behind in the upcoming games.
