Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson acknowledged that his squad let emotions run high during their 6-2 defeat to the Canadiens in Game 3 Sunday night, with the vibrant atmosphere at Bell Centre significantly contributing to the struggle.

"We breathed life into them," Thompson noted after netting the game's first goal, only for Montreal to respond with four unanswered tallies and seize a 2-1 series advantage. "We missed on a few plays, and they made us pay. The arena was electric, which made it tough to recover."

"We allowed our feelings to take over tonight," he added. "We always discuss maintaining balance through ups and downs, staying steady. Tonight, emotions really dominated us."

Thompson ignited Buffalo's road effort just 53 seconds in, ending an eight-game goal drought that started post-Game 1 versus the Boston Bruins in round one.

"That was the ideal game opening," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff.

Montreal stayed composed, unleashing 15 shots on Sabres netminder Alex Lyon (31 saves) in the first frame and leveling the score via Alex Newhook. The Canadiens dominated the second with three consecutive strikes: Cole Caufield's power-play tally - his first in six outings and second postseason goal after 51 in the regular year - followed by Zack Bolduc and Juraj Slafkovsky (also on the man advantage).

Rasmus Dahlin pulled one back at 14:46 of the middle frame for a 4-2 score, but Buffalo couldn't close the gap further.

"Our players stay committed when defending in our end," Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis remarked. "They embrace it. 'The game demands defense now, so that's my focus.'"

Whenever Buffalo threatened, rookie Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes (26 saves) stood tall, earning chants from the thrilled home supporters throughout.

"They delivered a solid performance, absolutely," Lyon assessed. "They outplayed us, especially in the second period which slipped away. They proved their threat level. We must shake this off and prepare for the next one. They've got two wins and momentum, but we haven't peaked yet - time to elevate."

Ruff dismissed questions on Lyon's performance despite nine goals allowed in the last two games versus seven in his prior seven playoff starts.

"[He] was excellent throughout," Ruff insisted. "End of discussion. [He] shone all night."

Thompson stressed the need for "urgency without desperation" in Tuesday's Game 4, expressing faith in a rebound.

"No major worries here," he said. "The locker room has full belief. We know the formula. No mysteries. It boils down to determination and harder battles. We've got the talent."

Ruff emphasized improved discipline for Game 4, including sharper puck handling and fewer infractions. Buffalo racked up 13 penalties for 42 PIM, yielding two power-play goals to Montreal.

He recalled their clean Game 6 road win over Boston in round one, with just one minor penalty.

After consecutive losses to Montreal - who ousted the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round - Ruff hopes his team grasps the challenge ahead.

"They toppled a powerhouse. They're elite. Never underestimate," he warned. "If not now, we never will."