IPL 2026 | Why Raj Angad Bawa bowled the last over: Suryakumar Yadav explains bold call vs RCB
Suryakumar Yadav's bold call to let Bawa bowl the last over costs MI against RCB.
The Montreal Canadiens secured a dominant 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, taking a 2-1 series lead. This win is seen as a pivotal moment in the playoff series.
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night, attempting to establish a 2-1 series lead at the Bell Centre.
It was yet another impressive game from the Habs, resulting in a 6-2 victory, the type of statement win that can change the entire tone of a playoff series.
Letâs dive into the highlights!
As we discussed in the game preview, Montrealâs depth players have been doing a wonderful job making up for the lack of offence from the first line, and one of the most important Canadiens in that respect is none other than Alex Newhook.
The speedy winger scored his fourth goal of the playoffs to tie the game late in the first period. It was also a crucial goal since the Habs were the better team in the first period, but were at risk of entering the first intermission with a one-goal deficit.
NEWHOOK GETS THE BELL CENTRE BUMPIN' đ¨
Sabres-Canadiens all tied up on ESPN and the ESPN App đ pic.twitter.com/0jHSHEaOqo
â ESPN (@espn) May 10, 2026
Another topic we addressed in the preview was the possibility that Juraj Slafkovsky or Cole Caufield would find their offensive rhythm, making the Habs a team that no longer solely relies on either the first line or the depth players, but rather, both.
The final score was 6-2 in favor of the Montreal Canadiens.
This victory gives the Canadiens a 2-1 lead in the playoff series, potentially shifting the momentum in their favor.
The game took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
A statement win signifies a decisive victory that can boost a team's confidence and alter the dynamics of the series.
Suryakumar Yadav's bold call to let Bawa bowl the last over costs MI against RCB.
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Thatâs a dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.
On that note, Caufield scored his second springtime goal following a jaw-dropping deke by phenom Lane Hutson, giving the Canadiens a well-deserved 2-1 lead.
Cole Caufield scores after a GREAT deke by Lane Hutson. #GoHabsGo up 2-1. pic.twitter.com/0V4tKkOsd3
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
You could argue the Canadiens were robbed of a third goal when Phillip Danault was accused of running interference on Lyon without any semblance of proof.
Puck definitely went in the net. pic.twitter.com/DTzfp8Zodf
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
Rather than resting on their laurels, the Habs continued to press the play, resulting in a 3-1 lead when Joe Veleno outworked his opponent to set up Zachary Bolduc for his second goal of the playoffs.
Once again, depth players provided important contributions, a recurring theme for the Canadiens.
Joe Veleno â> Zach Bolduc.
3-1 #GoHabsGo. They're dominating this game. pic.twitter.com/TXqdm5IiSh
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
At this point in the game, the Sabres decided to up the greasiness, culminating with what seemed like a clear-cut intent to injure netminder Jakub Dobes.
Beck Malenstyn skated into Dobes without ever attempting to pump the brakes, however, the Canadiens goaltender was just shaken up, and managed to stay in the game.
Beck Malenstyn with what seems like an attempt to injure Jakub Dobes, runs him at full speed.
No attempt to stop.
He received a 2-minute penalty. pic.twitter.com/OOXGECxjl0â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
The dirtbag play led to just a two-minute powerplay for the Canadiens, but it was long enough for Slafkovsky to tip a Hutson point shot, handing the home team a 4-1 lead.
Youâll note Dobes made sure to thank the Sabres for the opportunity to score on the man advantage.
LOL
Dobes takes a little skate to thank the Buffalo bench after the Slafkovsky powerplay goal.
Classic. #GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/fjOyWZMyWn
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
To put a fine point on the complete team effort, Dach restored Montrealâs three-goal lead midway through the third period.
At a glance, it may not have seemed like a very important goal, but it came on the heels of a push by Buffalo that resulted in a handful of high-danger chances. Dobes was up to the task, but thereâs no denying the pressure was mounting from the road team.
Jakub Dobes makes a few key saves and then Kirby Dach scores his 4th of the playoffs to give the #GoHabsGo a 5-2 lead. pic.twitter.com/T1Mt7LrGU2
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
The Sabres pulled their goal with almost five minutes left in the third period, a logical choice given the 5-2 scoreline.
However, Newhook managed to out-skate Rasmus Dahlin shortly afterwards, securing yet another two-goal game for the Newfoundlander. As an added bonus, his mother was in the crowd to watch her son steal the show at the Bell Centre.
Alex Newhook's mom was in the crowd to watch her son score back-to-back two-goal games for the #GoHabsGo.
Bonus: Dobes premature celebration at the end, haha pic.twitter.com/t5rI5p0QQj
â Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 11, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday, facing the Sabres at the Bell Centre for Game 4. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
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