Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 5: Key takeaways as Habs bounce back again, eye home clincher

Key Points:

• The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3 in Game 5, rallying with three second-period goals to take a commanding series lead and move closer to clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference final.
• Rookie goalie Jakub Dobeš, despite a rough start allowing three early goals, was kept in by coach Martin St. Louis and made key saves thereafter, including a pivotal breakaway stop that shifted momentum to Montreal.
• The Canadiens' top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský finally scored at five-on-five in the playoffs, contributing significantly with Suzuki and Slafkovský each recording three points in the game.
• Buffalo’s top line has struggled throughout the series, with key players like Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs failing to produce offensively, which has hurt the Sabres’ chances despite strong efforts from their secondary line.
• Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was replaced by Alex Lyon in the third period after allowing five goals on 23 shots, continuing the Sabres’ postseason goalie rotation as they face elimination in Game 6.