The Buffalo Sabres addressed their disappointment following a 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of their second-round series, according to statements made on May 9. Despite the defeat, the series is tied at one game each as it moves to Montreal for Games 3 and 4.
The outcome matters because it leaves both teams with equal chances as they head into a critical stretch of games. The Sabres have previously responded well after losses this season, giving fans hope that they can rebound again.
Rasmus Dahlin, team captain, said he would allow himself “30 more minutes” to be angry before focusing on improvement. “It’s a big day tomorrow. … Usually, we get better from games like this. We’re good at learning, so even though I’m pissed right now, I’m positive about the future,” Dahlin said.
Montreal scored twice in the first five minutes and extended their lead throughout the game. Tage Thompson acknowledged mistakes that led to early goals: “We knew they were going to have a push,” he said. “Made some mistakes and it ends up in the back of your net and then you’re chasing the game.” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff attributed several goals against his team to poor puck decisions: “I think three or four of the goals were just the result of bad puck play,” Ruff said. “You can’t beat yourself. We beat ourselves, and we know we have to be better.”
Thompson was self-critical after finishing minus-4 for the night: “I just wasn’t executing,” he said. He added that he must improve moving forward: “Just flush that one and move on.” Both Dahlin and Ruff expressed confidence in Thompson’s ability to recover for upcoming games.
Buffalo struggled on special teams during Game 2, going scoreless in five power-play opportunities after scoring twice with an extra man in Game 1. Ruff pointed out issues with entering Montreal’s zone under pressure: “We’ve been a pretty high percentage entry team. We just didn’t solve the little bit of pressure at the blue line.”
Looking ahead, Ruff emphasized quickly shifting focus toward preparation for Game 3: “We can’t afford to spend any time on the game,” he said.
The next game will take place Sunday at 7 p.m., airing nationally.
