The Montreal Canadiens (6-4) will take on the Buffalo Sabers (5-4) in Game 4 of their second-round series on Tuesday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The Habs will have a chance to clinch the series with a win, although a third consecutive major league win will be difficult.
While the Sabers won Game 1 after coming from behind significantly, the Canadiens were clearly the better team in Game 2 and Game 3, and outscored the Sabers 11–3 in that span.
Sunday's game, in particular, was one of the Habs' most impressive performances, as both the first line and depth players provided vital attacking play. It was the epitome of a complete team effort, and a sign that this very young team is arguably peaking at the right time.
Beyond the skaters' play, netminder Jacob Dobbs has been excellent, and has managed to improve most of his statistics compared to the regular season. He has become the epitome of consistency for the Canadiens, and although some out-of-town analysts have suggested he may want to tone down the emotional aspect of his playing style, this would weaken not only the player, but the team.
Dobbs is heavily invested in every game and that's the way he likes it.
And you can't argue with the results.
Another storyline worth monitoring in Game 4 was the increase in post-whistle violence from Game 3. The Sabers got the ball rolling when Beck Malensteen ran down Dobbs, while Arbor Czekaj responded with an ugly punch straight to the chin of Sam Carrick at the final whistle.
Both players were fined for their actions, which if we're being honest won't change a thing going forward. Another surge in fraud is expected on Tuesday.
Possible Lineup Changes
Head coach Martin Saint-Louis rarely changes his lineup after wins, and in the playoffs he keeps his cards incredibly close to his chest. With that in mind, any changes to the lineup will need to be confirmed after both teams take the ice for pre-game warm-ups.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Coffield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkowski
Alex Newhook - Jake Evans - Ivan Demidov
Alexandre Texier - Philippe Danault - Josh Anderson
Zachary Bolduc - Kirby Dach - Joe Veleno
Mike Matheson - Alexandre Carrier
Lane Hutson - Noah Dobson
Arbor Zekaj - Caden Guhle
jacob dobbs
jacob fowler
Buffalo Sabers Projected Lineup
Peyton Krebs - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
Jason Zucker - Ryan McLeod - Jack Quinn
Zach Benson - Josh Norris - Josh Doan
Jordan Greenway - Tyson Kozak - Beck Malensteen
Rasmus Dahlin - Mattias Samuelsson
Bowen Byram - Owen Power
Logan Stanley - Connor Timmins
Alex Lyon
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
How to watch Hubs Vs. saber
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, will be broadcast on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.
Additional NHL Playoff Analysis
