Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres tied 2‑2 as fans rally from shelters to city streets

The Eastern Conference semifinal between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres is now even at 2‑2 after Game 4 on May 14, 2026, when the Sabres defeated Montreal 6‑3 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The high‑scoring bout featured four goals from each side in the first period and a controversial incident involving Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, whose facial injury led ESPN commentator Sean McDonough to suggest the player might have simulated a wound to draw a double minor penalty.

Back in Montreal, the playoff fever has spilled beyond the arena. At the Old Brewery Mission and other shelters such as CAP St‑Barnabé and Welcome Hall, dozens of residents gathered to watch the games, chanting and sharing the experience. Staff noted the events lift morale among people facing homelessness. Across the city, fans have turned everyday spaces into displays of support: a Laval sports‑card shop covered stop signs with “Dobeš” for goaltender Jakub Dobeš, and a grocery store created a soda‑can arrangement spelling “Go Habs Go!”.

With Game 5 set for Thursday in Buffalo, both media outlets and fans are previewing the decisive matchup, offering predictions and odds as the series reaches its turning point.