The Buffalo Sabres' second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens is starting to feel like déjà vu—but not in a good way. After a thrilling Game 1 win, the Sabres laid an egg in Game 2, getting blown out 5-1 on home ice. The series is now tied 1-1 as the action shifts to Montreal, and suddenly, the momentum has swung.
Here are four key takeaways from a night that went sideways fast for Buffalo.
1. A Familiar Script—But a Different Ending?
The Sabres opened their first-round series against Boston the exact same way: steal Game 1 with a late rally, then get dominated in Game 2. Against the Bruins, they eventually found their footing. But Montreal looks like a different beast. The Canadiens just knocked off a powerhouse Tampa Bay team, and they came into Buffalo with confidence. If the Sabres don't adjust quickly, this déjà vu could lead to a very different outcome.
2. Montreal Controlled Every Zone
From the opening puck drop, the Canadiens were faster, sharper, and more physical. They outskated Buffalo in the neutral zone, won battles along the boards, and made life miserable for Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon. Montreal's forecheck was relentless, and their transition game turned turnovers into scoring chances all night. By the time the third period rolled around, the game was already out of reach.
3. Special Teams Let Buffalo Down
The Sabres' power play, which had been a bright spot in Game 1, went cold. They couldn't generate sustained pressure, and Montreal's penalty kill looked aggressive and organized. On the flip side, the Canadiens' power play made Buffalo pay, capitalizing on undisciplined penalties. In a tight series, special teams often decide games—and on Friday, Montreal won that battle decisively.
4. Road Test Ahead
Lindy Ruff kept it simple after the loss: "We're 1-1. We're in the same place we were last series." But playing in Montreal's Bell Centre is a different animal. The crowd will be electric, and the Canadiens will feed off that energy. The Sabres need to clean up their puck management and find their composure early. If they can steal one on the road, they'll regain home-ice advantage. If not, this series could slip away fast.
For Sabres fans, the hope is that Game 2 was just a wake-up call. The talent is there. The question is whether the response will be.