In a tightly contested playoff series, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff voiced his frustration regarding officiating during the Sabres’ recent 3-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens. The game, which tied the series, featured multiple power play opportunities for both teams.
Ruff Accuses Canadiens of Faking Penalties
After the game, Ruff expressed his belief that some Canadiens players were exaggerating contact to draw penalties. “I know Montreal’s got a good power play, but I think they’re going down easy,” he remarked. This reflection came after the Canadiens received seven power plays compared to the Sabres’ four.
Key Moments from Game 4
One significant incident highlighted by Ruff was a cross-checking penalty assessed to Sabres forward Tage Thompson against Montreal’s Kaiden Guhle. This penalty ultimately led to the Canadiens’ first goal of the game.
- Thompson’s penalty was contentious, as Ruff suggested it might not have been called in regular-season games.
- The Sabres’ coach acknowledged the need for his players to adjust their play during the playoffs.
- Ruff also criticized a goaltender-interference call that negated a potential second goal for Buffalo, stating it shifted momentum in Montreal’s favor.
Next Steps in the Series
Despite these officiating concerns, Ruff remained optimistic about his team’s resilience, saying, “We battled through all that and ended up winning the game.” The Sabres will look to build on their success in Game 5 of the series.
Game 5 is set to take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will be available for viewing on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
