Alex Tuch reveals how Sabres can be better in crucial Game 4 vs. Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres got off to a great start in their Eastern Conference second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, winning handily in Game 1. But it’s been a completely different story since, with the Habs capturing back-to-back contests, outscoring the Sabres 11-3 in the process.

Ahead of a critical Game 4 at the Bell Centre in downtown Montreal on Tuesday night, forward Alex Tuch spoke about how his team can get the series tied before the all-Atlantic Division battle shifts back to Western New York later this week.

“You get a little (ticked) off about it,” Tuch told reporters on Monday, per NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin. “You learn from it. And then you move on.”

There is no love lost between the two rivals, and there has been no shortage of hostility in the matchup. Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn was fined for running Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes in Game 3, while Arber Xhekaj suffered the same fate after sucker punching Sam Carrick at the end of regulation.

“I don’t think we want to forget about that feeling last night,” Tuch continued. “Me, personally, it’s definitely my worst defensive game in the playoffs. So, I’m not going to forget that feeling.

“It’s only 2-1 in the series. We have to come out flying tomorrow. No excuses, we’ve just got to be a lot better.”

It sets up what promises to be another thrilling contest between the two clubs, in what has been the most exciting Round 2 series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

We’re also getting pretty close to must-win territory for the Sabres, who would have quite a hill to climb if they can’t find a way to steal a game in Quebec. It’ll be easier said than done, as the Bell Centre was deafening on Sunday and promises to be again on Tuesday.

After winning the Atlantic Division, this is by far Buffalo’s biggest game of the 2025-26 season.

“It isn’t a time for excuses,” said head coach Lindy Ruff. “I need their best game. I need what they gave us in Game 6 in Boston (a 4-1 win on May 1). I thought our group gave us the best game of the series. This is the type of game where we need that, and they understand that.”

Puck is set to drop on the crucial tilt just past 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night.

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