Winners, losers from Tuesday's Stanley Cup playoffs: Sabres' Zach Benson scores game-winner on his birthday

According to NHL Public Relations, Benson is the second Sabre to score a goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs on his birthday. The other was Peter McNab in Game 6 of the 1975 semifinals. Coincidentally, the team faced the Canadiens in that series. 

That season, the Sabres reached the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. Buffalo hopes history repeats itself, minus the loss in the championship series. Perhaps Benson's birthday goal is a good omen.

Golden Knights right winger Pavel Dorofeyev

Dorofeyev scored on a slap shot on an assist from center Jack Eichel in overtime, securing a 3-2 win for the Golden Knights. Vegas now leads the series 3-2, heading into Game 6 on Thursday (TNT/truTV/ HBO Max, 9:30 p.m. ET).  

Dorofeyev had scored six postseason goals entering Tuesday's game. The overtime winner marks the biggest of his seven-year career.

It's the first postseason overtime winner of his career, and it has the Golden Knights one step closer to making their first Western Conference Final since the 2022-23 season. 

Sabres HC Lindy Ruff's lineup changes 

Ruff made three changes before Game 4. He replaced goalie Alex Lyon with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, inserted rookie center Konsta Helenius into the lineup and had defenseman Luke Schenn replace Logan Stanley on the third line. All three moves worked. 

Moving Luukkonen into the net was his best move. The goalie saved 28-of-30 shots (.933 save percentage, stellar). Lyon, meanwhile, saved 54-of-63 shots (.857 save percentage, below average) in Games 2 and 3. 

Considering that, it would be wise for Ruff to make no lineup changes for Game 5. He's potentially found the right combinations.   

Losers 

Canadiens power play

The Canadiens' power-play opportunities outnumbered the Sabres on Tuesday night (7-4). Montreal failed to capitalize on most of those, scoring just one goal. That included a four-minute power play after defenseman Bowen Byram was penalized for high-sticking left winger Alexandre Texier. 

The power play hasn't been a problem for the Canadiens for most of the postseason. Entering Tuesday night, they ranked sixth in the playoffs in power-play percentage (20.5 percent). 

It better not fizzle for Montreal again in Game 5 in Buffalo on Thursday (TNT/truTV/HBO Max, 7 p.m. ET). That could be one thing that would turn the series in the Sabres' favor. 

Canadiens' ability to take advantage of home ice

Bell Centre in Montreal has, potentially, the best environment this postseason. Despite that, the Canadiens have lost multiple playoff games there.

The Canadiens lost twice at home in their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and again on Tuesday. If they had defeated the Sabres on Tuesday, they would have much more momentum. Montreal center Nick Suzuki insists that's not fazing the team before Game 5. 

"We knew we were going to have to go to Buffalo anyways," he said (h/t The Athletic). "We're a good road team, we've shown that all year. We've got to do it again and win at home." 

Easier said than done. Buffalo fans could match the electricity of those in Montreal on Thursday, with their team on the verge of taking the lead in the series. 

Ducks' chances of pulling an upset 

The Ducks have had an incredible run this postseason, but after Tuesday's loss, it may be nearing its end. Anaheim pushed Vegas to the brink on Tuesday night, and even then, the Knights found a way to escape the jaws of defeat.

The Ducks clearly face more pressure heading into Game 6. It wouldn't be a surprise if they crack under it. A team that's as talented as Vegas seems poised to take care of business.