---
title: "Sabres Edge Canadiens 3-2, Take 3-1 Series Lead"
description: "Buffalo rides two-goal first period, 31 saves to move within one win of first-round breakthrough."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-game-4-highlights-sabres-3-canadiens-2-mp3j700s
published: 2026-05-13T03:25:55+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T08:00:37.155+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["hockey"]
---

# Sabres Edge Canadiens 3-2, Take 3-1 Series Lead

> Buffalo rides two-goal first period, 31 saves to move within one win of first-round breakthrough.

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, taking a commanding 3-1 lead.

A two-goal first period and a 31-save performance by Buffalo's goaltender proved decisive as the Sabres withstood a late Montreal surge.

The Canadiens pulled within one late in the third period but could not solve the Sabres' netminder in crunch time.

Montreal's inability to generate consistent offense outside of isolated bursts left them chasing the game from the opening faceoff.

This result puts Buffalo one win away from advancing past the first round for the first time in over a decade.

The Sabres now return home for Game 5 with a chance to close out the series in front of their own fans.

What's next: Game 5 shifts to Buffalo, where the Sabres can clinch the series on home ice.

The Canadiens face a must-win scenario to keep their season alive.

## Why this matters

This result puts the Sabres one win away from advancing past the first round for the first time in over a decade, while the Canadiens face a must-win Game 5 to keep their season alive. The momentum swing could define the entire Eastern Conference playoff picture, as Buffalo's resilience under pressure signals a potential breakthrough for a franchise long starved of postseason success.

## Frequently asked

### What was the final score of Game 4?

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2.

### Who was the goaltender for the Sabres in Game 4?

The Sabres' goaltender made 31 saves to secure the win.

### What is the series lead after Game 4?

The Sabres lead the series 3-1.

### Where is Game 5 being played?

Game 5 is in Buffalo.

### What is at stake in Game 5 for the Sabres?

The Sabres can clinch their first playoff series victory in over a decade.

## Sources & Citations

- [NHL Game 4 Highlights: Sabres 3, Canadiens 2](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-game-4-highlights-sabres-3-canadiens-2/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-13)
- [NHL Game 3 Highlights: Canadiens 6, Sabres 2](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-game-3-highlights-canadiens-6-sabres-2/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-11)
- [NHL Game 5 Highlights: Canadiens 6, Sabres 3](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-game-5-highlights-canadiens-6-sabres-3/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-15)

---

Cite: Sabres Edge Canadiens 3-2, Take 3-1 Series Lead. Sportopod, 2026-05-13. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-game-4-highlights-sabres-3-canadiens-2-mp3j700s