After a Stanley Cup Playoffs drought that dated again to the 2010-11 season, the Buffalo Sabres lastly broke by in 2025-26, and now, they discover themselves into the second spherical.
Following a tricky sequence win over the Boston Bruins, the Sabres at the moment are up in opposition to a key division rival within the Montreal Canadiens, and whereas they began sizzling, the staff have now dropped two straight as they path 2-1 of their sequence. In these two defeats, the Sabres have been outscored 11-3, and forward of a crucial Game 4 of their sequence, they’ve a choice to make in internet.
Advertisement
Even after these two performances from Alex Lyon the place he allowed 9 targets on 63 pictures, he has a GAA of two.18 and a save share of .916 these playoffs after he dominated Boston in spherical one. However, he has struggled mightily in opposition to a younger, high-powered Canadiens squad in back-to-back video games, and forward of Game 4, the staff have reportedly made their decision, turning to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen because the starter in Montreal.
While he was thought-about the starter coming into the 2025-26 season, Luukkonen was outplayed by Lyon for a lot of the season, because the latter gained the job heading into the post-season. In two video games in opposition to Boston, UPL struggled once more, permitting 7 targets on simply 40 pictures as he is sporting an .825 save share and a .419 GAA, however given Lyon’s struggles, the staff merely wanted to make the change forward of Game 4.
Advertisement
In entrance of a rowdy crowd in Montreal, this recreation might not be must-win for Buffalo, but when they fall to 3-1 within the sequence, their hopes will take one other main hit. While followers could query the choice to alter goaltenders, it is a transfer that Lindy Ruff clearly believes offers the staff the most effective probability to win, with this transformation possible representing the largest second within the post-season up to now for the Sabres.
Related: NHL Announces Punishment for Sabres, Canadiens After Game 3
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NHL part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.