The Montreal Canadiens and their fans are still processing one of the strangest games in recent playoff history. While the 3-2 final score against the Buffalo Sabres seems normal, the way it happened was anything but.
From a «ghost goal» that took 10 minutes to review to a «fluke» bounce from center ice that left goaltender Jakub Dobeš frozen, Game 4 was a rollercoaster of frustration that has left the city of Montreal demanding better luck in Game 5.
The controversy started early when Buffalo’s Jack Quinn appeared to score. After a grueling video review, officials ruled the puck crossed the line inside Dobeš’s glove. However, Montreal successfully challenged for goaltender interference, overturning the goal and sparking a massive momentum shift.
But the real «heartbreak» came in the second period: Buffalo’s Tage Thompson attempted a simple dump-in from center ice that took a «one-in-a-million» bounce off a stanchion, ricocheting directly into the net. That fluke goal tied the game 2-2 and sucked the air out of the Bell Centre, leading to Buffalo’s eventual power-play winner by Zach Benson.
The Cold Hard Facts (Game 4):
- Final Score: Buffalo 3 – 2 Montreal (Series tied 2-2)
- The «Fluke»: Tage Thompson scores from center ice on a weird glass bounce.
- Review Drama: A 10-minute delay for a disallowed Sabres goal (Goalie Interference).
- Power Plays: Buffalo went 2-for-4; Montreal struggled at 1-for-7.
- Shots on Goal: Montreal dominated with 30 shots vs Buffalo’s 22.
- The Wall: Buffalo blocked a massive 27 shots to protect their lead.