The Buffalo Sabres are preparing for a crucial Game 6 against Montreal after falling behind 3-2 in their second-round playoff series, according to a May 15 statement from the team. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC, with the Sabres facing elimination for the first time this postseason.
The stakes are high as Buffalo seeks to extend its season and force a Game 7. Head coach Lindy Ruff said he believes giving players time away from the rink could be beneficial before the pivotal matchup. “I know the pressure they’re feeling, I know how they feel, I know how much they care,” Ruff said. “I just feel a day away from the rink, not coming here, is a good thing. We don’t need to watch video today. We don’t need to talk about the game. We need to move on.”
Ruff addressed several topics during his Friday morning media availability, including player health and strategy adjustments made during recent games. On defenseman Owen Power’s condition following an injury in Game 5, Ruff said: “He’s in right now getting treatment. All I can offer is he said he’s feeling pretty good, better than he thought he’d feel, so that’s encouraging.”
Reflecting on what gives him confidence as his team faces elimination, Ruff said: “You go through last year’s adversity and all the stuff this year, and the team has responded almost to every challenge we’ve had… This is a completely different challenge… But every opportunity you get to take advantage of could mean we go on to play Game 7.”
Regarding offensive opportunities missed against Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes in Game 5, Ruff remarked: “We talked about it after the period that we thought we let him off the hook… We had clear lanes to shoot pucks… sometimes our ability to make plays… defer[s] us to that better play.” He also discussed defensive pair rotations and emphasized relying on top players during critical moments.
Looking ahead at both teams’ performances and what remains at stake in this series, Ruff concluded: “This is a good team we’re playing… I look at it right now; what is there—five teams left? To be sitting here talking to you guys—I think that it’s a wonderful place to be… We get to go to Montreal in Game 6 in the middle of May…”
Game coverage will continue with pregame and postgame shows available through MSG networks and official Sabres channels.
