Sabres even second-round series with Luukkonen back in net against Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres avoided falling into a 3-1 hole in their Eastern Conference second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens by turning back to goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for Game 4 on May 12. After Alex Lyon surrendered nine goals across Games 2 and 3, head coach Lindy Ruff opted for the familiar rotation that fueled Buffalo’s regular-season success. Luukkonen delivered with 28 saves in a 3-2 victory at Bell Centre, evening the series at 2-2.[1][2]

This win injects new life into Buffalo’s playoff run, especially after a dominant 6-2 loss in Game 3 that exposed defensive lapses and Lyon’s struggles. The tandem approach between Luukkonen and Lyon—each starting 34 games in the 2025-26 regular season—proved its worth once more, validating Ruff’s strategy amid high stakes.[3]

The decision to switch goalies

Ruff’s choice echoed the Sabres’ “winning formula” from the regular season, where Luukkonen and Lyon split duties evenly. Lyon had been lights-out in the first round against Boston, posting a 1.21 goals-against average and .952 save percentage in Games 3-6 to close out the series. But against Montreal, he faltered after a strong Game 1, allowing 11 goals over three starts with a 3.67 GAA.[3][4]

Luukkonen, sidelined since being pulled 16 seconds into the third period of Game 2 versus the Bruins on April 21, embraced the opportunity. “I’m excited,” he said post-morning skate. “This time of year is all about winning, so I’m excited to go back there and help the team win.”[3]

The Finnish netminder praised his counterpart, calling Lyon “a true professional” whose partnership had thrived all year. Ruff reinforced the rotation’s reliability: “It’s what we are. It’s what we’ve been the whole year.”[3]

This isn’t uncharted territory for Buffalo. For more on the Sabres-Canadiens goalie matchup, check this breakdown.

Luukkonen’s preparation focused on routine despite three weeks off. “Just sticking to what you know works,” he noted, emphasizing trust in his game.[3]

The switch paid immediate dividends, steadying a team desperate to regain momentum.

Luukkonen’s triumphant return

Dropped into a must-win scenario, Luukkonen stopped 28 of 30 shots, including all 22 faced in the final two periods for a shutout stretch. His only blemishes: a late first-period power-play goal by Cole Caufield that squeaked through his legs, and an earlier tally.[2]

The 27-year-old’s poise silenced rust concerns, anchoring Buffalo’s comeback. Post-game, his performance drew praise for reclaiming the crease and delivering under pressure.[5]

In the playoffs prior, Luukkonen posted a 1-1 record with a 4.19 GAA against Boston. Regular-season dominance—22-9-3, .910 save percentage in 34 starts—built confidence in his bounce-back ability.[4]

Ruff lauded the netminders’ competition post-victory: “I thought tonight we tightened things up. We finally got to the place where we need to be.”[2]

Luukkonen’s highlights included key denials on Montreal’s power play, where the Canadiens converted just 1-of-7.[2]

This outing reaffirms why Buffalo’s tandem is playoff-tested.

Lineup tweaks bring fresh energy

Beyond the crease, Ruff unveiled two key changes. Rookie forward Konsta Helenius, the 2024 first-round pick, made his NHL playoff debut centering Jack Quinn and Jason Zucker, replacing injured Sam Carrick. The 19-year-old logged 12:53 over 17 shifts, firing three shots and adding physicality with a hit and block.[2]

Helenius, recalled post-Rochester’s AHL playoff exit, had four points in nine regular-season games. “I’m just happy I can play and show that I can help the team win,” he said pre-game. A waved-off goal due to his interference underscored his impact early.[3]

Veteran defenseman Luke Schenn, 36, paired with Conor Timmins vice Logan Stanley, bringing Stanley Cup pedigree—two titles with Tampa Bay (2020, 2021) and 58 playoff games. He played 7:04 in a rotational role, providing stability.[2]

Schenn stayed patient: “It’s experience… stay ready.” Ruff cited his know-how as crucial.[3]

These moves injected youth and grit. Helenius noted post-game: “It’s a great feeling that the coach trusts me.”[2]

The adjustments meshed seamlessly in the road win.

Game 4: A gritty comeback unfolds

Buffalo struck first at 6:32 of the opening frame, as Mattias Samuelsson wristed home a feed from Cody Norris off Liam Doan’s setup for 1-0. Montreal equalized soon after on a redirect by Dylan Newhook, then grabbed 2-1 via Caufield’s power-play wriggle.[2]

The second period saw parity restored on a bizarre bounce: Tage Thompson’s shot caromed off the end boards into the net at 2-2. “That felt like the hockey gods just giving us one back,” Samuelsson quipped.[2]

Zach Benson sealed it 4:41 into the third on the power play, roofing a rebound on his birthday after Thompson-to-Doan. Luukkonen stonewalled the rest.

Key stats:

• Shots: Buffalo 28, Montreal 30
• Power play: Sabres 1/4, Canadiens 1/7
• Faceoffs: Buffalo edged key draws

Montreal’s Martin St. Louis lamented the fine margins: “They got a goal off the door there.”[2]

For full pre-game context on the Sabres’ path here, see this report.

Momentum shifts back to Buffalo

With the series knotted, Game 5 returns to KeyBank Center on Thursday. Buffalo’s first-round upset over Boston—after a 19-year drought—fuels belief in another rally.[6]

Luukkonen’s resurgence, paired with timely scoring from Benson and Thompson, positions the Sabres to seize control. Yet Montreal’s firepower demands sustained defense.

Ruff’s post-game optimism rings true: This felt like “our team again.” The rotation’s revival and rookie infusions signal depth for the long haul.[2]

As the series intensifies, Buffalo’s formula could carry them deeper into the playoffs. Game 5 offers the next test—what it means for the Eastern Conference remains wide open. For the official NHL recap, dive in here.[1]