What happened: The Buffalo Sabres jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a goal that came off a chaotic deflection in front of the net, per a SportsCenter clip making the rounds. Reaction posts described the play as a double-deflection that beat the opposing goaltender. The marker continued a series trend of Buffalo scoring early.

Why it matters: Early goals have shaped the tone of this Sabres playoff run, where Buffalo broke a 19-year second-round drought to reach this stage. Striking first matters in tight postseason hockey, especially for a Sabres group that has leaned on momentum swings to control games. Deflection goals also tilt goalie matchups, since they neutralize positioning and reward net-front traffic.

What to watch: Watch whether the Sabres can protect the early lead and convert net-front pressure into a multi-goal cushion. The opposing response in the next shift block will signal whether this becomes a run-and-gun game or a tight checking affair.