No practice. Plan for the best. That's the Ruff approach with Sabres facing elimination vs. Canadiens
May 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson (6) celebrates with teammates including forward Josh Doan (91) after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Eric Bolte-Imagn Images BUFFALO, N. Y.
— The time for talking, practicing and poring over game film is over as far as Sabres coach Lindy Ruff is concerned. With Buffalo facing elimination for the first time this postseason, Ruff told his team to avoid the rink Friday, meet at the airport and contemplated canceling the skate the next morning in Montreal with his message essentially being: Show up and play. “I know the pressure they’re feeling.
I know how much they care. I just feel a day away from the rink, not coming here, is a good thing,” Ruff said. “We need to move on.
There’s only one game that counts, and that is the game tomorrow,” he added. “We have to play on our toes. We got to play to win.
Can’t be afraid. ” Game 6 at Montreal on a Saturday night The Sabres trail 3-2 in their second-round series against the Canadiens , with Montreal hosting Game 6 on Saturday night (8 p. m.