The Montreal Canadiens aim to add a special touch to Mother’s Day as they strive to secure a 2-1 advantage in their second-round playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres. After splitting the first two games at KeyBank Center, with a loss in the opener and a significant 5-1 victory in Game 2, the Canadiens have shown resilience post-loss, boasting a 4-0 record in such situations this postseason.
Despite the vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds at the Bell Centre, Montreal has not capitalized on home ice advantage in the playoffs. Their previous series against the Tampa Bay Lightning saw them struggle in Montreal, winning just one out of three games, with the lone victory coming in overtime during Game 3.
While the Canadiens have not strung together consecutive wins in the postseason, they find themselves within touching distance of an Eastern Conference final clash with the Carolina Hurricanes, now holding home-ice advantage against the Sabres.
Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, who has been a stalwart in the Canadiens’ net for all eight playoff games, enters the upcoming matchup with a solid .917 save percentage. His standout 28-save performance in Game 2 not only contributed to the team’s victory but also earned him a place alongside Montreal legends Patrick Roy and Carey Price as the third rookie netminder with at least five playoff wins.
The Sabres, acknowledging their lackluster performance in Game 2, are determined to bounce back and respond to the challenge posed by the Canadiens. Coach Lindy Ruff has indicated that the team plans to make adjustments, particularly in their power-play strategies and overall intensity, as they prepare for the upcoming games in Montreal.