Alex Tuch, a key forward for the Buffalo Sabres, did not shy away from self-criticism after his team’s 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3. Speaking to reporters at the Four Seasons in Montreal, Tuch acknowledged he was a minus-2 and played what he described as his worst defensive game of the entire playoffs. He emphasized that the sting of the defeat should not be quickly forgotten.
One particular moment weighed heavily on Tuch. During the Canadiens’ goal that gave them a 3-1 lead, defenseman Logan Stanley’s turnover in the neutral zone triggered a fast break for Montreal. Forward Zachary Bolduc, trailing the play, skated past both Tage Thompson and Tuch to receive a pass in the slot completely unmarked, finishing with a goal.
“That’s unacceptable,” Tuch said. “That was just a missed backcheck on my part. That’s on me. I can’t leave the goalie out to dry like that. It’s not good.”
After the game, Thompson noted that the Sabres let their emotions get the better of them, allowing distractions outside their control to affect their play. The following day, after a morning video session, Tuch highlighted the team’s need to improve their compete level.
“A lot of it is self-inflicted,” Tuch said of the struggles. “It comes down to our decisions, our will, and our compete. We need to look in the mirror and get back to the game we know we can play—the one that has brought us success.”
According to SportLogiq, the Canadiens entered this series as one of the top teams in the playoffs in puck battles. That edge has been evident: Montreal has been winning races for loose pucks, beating Sabres defenders to the front of the net, and coming out on top in board battles.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff opted to skip a full practice on Monday, instead focusing on video review and off-ice work. He described the meetings as “honest.” The decision to stay off the ice is part of a routine that worked well during the team’s previous series against Boston. With games coming every other day, rest has become even more critical. Ruff believes the compete issue Tuch mentioned is more about energy levels than a lack of desire.
“When I look at every 50-50 battle, it’s one guy against another,” Ruff said. “They want it just as much as we do. Ultimately, I felt they had the edge—maybe 60-40 or 55-45. To be successful, we need to tilt that in our favor, whether it’s 60-40 or some other number. That applies to puck battles, board battles, and net-front battles. Everyone can improve their compete, including Alex. He knows that.”
Here are additional notes as Buffalo prepares for Game 4:
A small group of players skated at the Bell Centre, including defensemen Luke Schenn and Zach Metsa, forwards Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak, and Konsta Helenius, as well as goalies Colten Ellis and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Notably absent from the session were Michael Kesselring and Tanner Pearson, who have been scratches during the series. This does not guarantee either player will enter the lineup for Tuesday night, but it suggests the coaching staff is considering changes. Pearson, who took warmups before Game 1 but remained out, seems to be the next forward in line. With extensive playoff experience and a reputation as a reliable defensive forward, Pearson could be a logical replacement given Buffalo’s defensive struggles. The question remains whom Ruff would remove. Jason Zucker has seen limited ice time and was injured during Round 1.