Why did Sabres' goal get overturned?

Sabres’ disallowed goal swung on video reviews

Buffalo’s Game 4 goal versus Montreal became a cautionary tale about how quickly NHL momentum can flip when video review is involved. The Sabres had a goal confirmed by the initial video review, only for a second video review to overturn it. That sequence also triggered a lengthy on-ice delay as the officials worked through the ruling.

The key theme was goal status after video review, not a broader gameplay change. Once the first review determined the score should stand, Buffalo briefly benefited from the call. But the later overturn meant the scoreboard did not hold, and the stoppage period stretched, affecting the rhythm of the game.

Why it matters

In a playoff series where every goal can reshape field position and line matchups, an overturned ruling has outsized impact. It can:

• Change which team controls the pace after the whistle
• Alter coaching decisions around line deployment
• Affect goalie and skater matchups for the next sequence

The incident also underscores the procedural volatility that playoff teams live with: even when a decision appears settled, a subsequent review can still reverse the outcome.

With Game 4 already framed as high stakes, the overturned goal added yet another layer of pressure—both for Buffalo players trying to convert opportunities and for Montreal as they worked to protect their lead prospects.