3 Takeaways From the Sabres’ 3-2 Game 4 Win Over the Canadiens – The Hockey Writers –

Games 2 and 3 of this series were a challenge for the Buffalo Sabres. Seeking difference-makers, the Sabres got thoroughly handled in both games and entered Tuesday night trailing in the series 2-games-to-1.

In one of the most important weeks in franchise history, the Sabres stared down a tall task in Game 4. As they have for much of the season, they answered the bell and found a way to walk out of the Bell Centre with a crucial 3-2 win to even the series.

Goaltending Has Not Been an Issue in These Playoffs

Goaltending was one of the keys to this series for the Sabres. Alex Lyon had been a difference-maker in the opening round series win over the Boston Bruins yet was put back on the bench in Game 4 to allow Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to take another shot.

It should be said that neither Luukkonen in the first round nor Lyon in Games 2 and 3 of this round have been the problem. The Sabres have, at times, been badly outplayed. At worst, goaltending has been solid but at its best – like this game – it has been outstanding.

Luukkonen was excellent on Tuesday, stopping 28 of 30 Canadiens shots. He has a calmness to his game that is such a contrast to Lyon’s more frenetic style, but it gets the job done the same. If the Sabres lose this series, goaltending should be the last thing that garners blame.

Officiating Was Awful But Don’t Give Them an Opportunity to Make Calls

This game and series has been a chippy one, but the officiating took center stage here. There were a whopping 11 power plays handed out, seven of them going to the Canadiens. More than a few of those being of the highly questionable variety.

It could be said that the Sabres shouldn’t put themselves in a position to be called for penalties, Tage Thompson’s cross-checking penalty at the end of the first period jumping to mind. That said, several iffy calls went the Canadiens’ way.

Rasmus Dahlin, in particular, needs to do a better job skirting that line between physicality and stupidity. His interference on Cole Caufield was the most blatant penalty of the night, the kind of thing that can’t be argued. The Sabres need to stop giving up so many chances before it comes back to bite them.

Special Teams Made the Difference

There were a few individual difference-makers, including call-up Konsta Helenius. But the real difference-maker (aside from Luukkonen) on the night was the performance of both special teams units.

The power play, much maligned in these playoffs, got a pair of goals. One of them was a flukey bounce off a dump-in from Thompson. The other was a nifty little play by birthday boy Zach Benson for what would be the eventual game-winner.

The penalty kill was outstanding with Luukkonen the best penalty-killer the team had. They allowed one goal on seven chances, something that they can’t come to expect on a nightly basis. Their penalty kill has largely been good against one of the most dangerous power play units in the league.

Come Out Hot in Game 5

The Sabres were the better team in Game 4 and still had to fight until the very end to walk away with a win. They need to come out hot in Game 5 and set the tone early. More importantly, they need to do it without crossing the line and putting themselves in the box.

Everyone predicted this would be a six- or seven-game series and it’s proving to be just that. Both sides continue to throw haymakers at one another and the winner will have earned this series in every sense of the word.