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Sabres Make Goaltending Decision for Game 4 vs. Canadiens
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- Sabres Make Goaltending Decision for Game 4 vs. Canadiens
After a Stanley Cup Playoffs drought that dated back to the 2010-11 season, the Buffalo Sabres finally broke through in 2025-26, and now, they find themselves into the second round.
Following a tough series win over the Boston Bruins, the Sabres are now up against a key division rival in the Montreal Canadiens, and while they started hot, the team have now dropped two straight as they trail 2-1 in their series. In those two defeats, the Sabres have been outscored 11-3, and ahead of a critical Game 4 in their series, they have a decision to make in net.
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Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) scores a goal on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Even after those two performances from Alex Lyon where he allowed 9 goals on 63 shots, he has a GAA of 2.18 and a save percentage of .916 these playoffs after he dominated Boston in round one. However, he has struggled mightily against a young, high-powered Canadiens squad in back-to-back games, and ahead of Game 4, the team have reportedly made their decision , turning to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as the starter in Montreal.
While he was considered the starter coming into the 2025-26 season, Luukkonen was outplayed by Lyon for much of the season, as the latter won the job heading into the post-season. In two games against Boston, UPL struggled again, allowing 7 goals on just 40 shots as he's sporting an .825 save percentage and a .419 GAA, but given Lyon's struggles, the team simply needed to make the change ahead of Game 4.
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In front of a rowdy crowd in Montreal, this game may not be must-win for Buffalo, but if they fall to 3-1 in the series, their hopes will take another major hit. While fans may question the decision to change goaltenders, it's a move that Lindy Ruff clearly believes gives the team the best chance to win, with this change likely representing the biggest moment in the post-season thus far for the Sabres.
Related: NHL Announces Punishment for Sabres, Canadiens After Game 3
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
