The Buffalo Sabres will attempt to extend their playoff run when they visit the Montreal Canadiens for Game 6 of their second-round series at Bell Centre on May 16. The Sabres trail the best-of-seven series three games to two after losing Game 5 at home and now face elimination for the first time this postseason.
Coach Lindy Ruff said his team should embrace the challenge of forcing a decisive Game 7. “We have to play on our toes,” Ruff said. “We’ve got to play to win. Can’t be afraid. Got to play to win.”
Buffalo previously won its last game in Montreal, blocking a playoff-high number of shots and successfully killing six penalties during that contest. Reflecting on that effort, Ruff said, “The team has responded almost to every challenge we’ve had. This is a completely different challenge, being involved in an elimination game where, now, every mistake could mean the end for you. But every opportunity you get to take advantage of could mean we go on to play Game 7.”
Tonight’s matchup features changes in Buffalo’s lineup: Josh Norris will center Zach Benson and Tage Thompson on the top line, while Alex Tuch joins Josh Doan and Ryan McLeod on the second line. Zach Metsa is set for his playoff debut on defense, replacing Luke Schenn, with Alex Lyon starting as goaltender.
Players expressed determination ahead of puck drop. Jordan Greenway addressed penalty killing: “We’ve got to find ways. They’ve been able to sustain a lot of pressure… Whenever we have the chance to put some pressure on them, go after them, we have to find those instances more and pounce on them when we can.” Norris added about elevating his performance: “I think everyone’s in that mindset… You just want to bring your best… But at the end of the day, it’s another game… you want to go out there and be a difference maker.”
Ruff noted confidence in his group’s road performance: “We just need to play our game. We’ve played better on the road than we have at home. We’re 4-1 on the road. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our group.” He also commented about skipping morning skate before this crucial contest: “A lot of them haven’t been there (in an elimination game). I think part of not going to the rink is, let’s not go there and overcook this…”
The outcome tonight will determine if Buffalo returns home for Game 7 or concludes its season.
