Overview
- Game 1, which starts Wednesday at KeyBank Center, follows Buffalo’s six-game win over Boston and Montreal’s seven one-goal battles with Tampa Bay.
- The teams split the regular-season series 2-2 with 13 goals each, pointing to a tight matchup between two fast, high-scoring groups.
- Rookie Jakub Dobeš carries a .923 save percentage into the series for Montreal, while Buffalo’s Alex Lyon posted a .955 after taking over in Round 1.
- Buffalo’s power play went 1-for-24 against the Bruins, creating a pressure point as the Sabres’ heavy forecheck faces Montreal’s quick transition game.
- Buffalo forward Sam Carrick, out since March 31 with a left arm injury, was upgraded to day-to-day after practicing Tuesday.