The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on May 6, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third period. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves for Buffalo.
For Montreal, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each scored a goal. Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault stopped 31 of 35 shots.
The Sabres took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is scheduled for May 8 in Buffalo.
