The Buffalo Sabres are shaking things up in a big way as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. With their season on the line in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Montreal Canadiens, the team is turning to a fresh face: 19-year-old rookie Konsta Helenius.

Helenius, who has been lighting it up in the AHL with the Rochester Americans, will make his NHL playoff debut Tuesday night in Montreal. The Sabres trail the best-of-seven series 2-1, and head coach Lindy Ruff is making a bold move by inserting the young center into the lineup for the first time this postseason.

So, what’s the thinking behind this decision? It all comes down to scoring. Helenius put up impressive numbers in the AHL this season, tallying 21 goals and 41 assists for 62 points in 63 games. In his limited NHL action, he managed four points—a goal and three assists—in just nine games. The Sabres have been struggling to find offensive depth beyond their top line of Zach Benson, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan. Even that unit has had its ups and downs, though Tage Thompson finally found the back of the net in Game 3.

Helenius is stepping in for veteran Sam Carrick, who took a big punch in Game 3 but was already playing through an injury. Carrick is known for his gritty, faceoff-winning style, but the Sabres are clearly hungry for more firepower. Helenius brings a scoring touch that could give the team the spark it needs.

With Helenius in the mix, the lineup is getting a reshuffle. According to The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, the Sabres’ morning skate showed Tyson Kozak out of the lineup, with Ryan McLeod moving down to the fourth line alongside Beck Malenstyn and Jordan Greenway. It’s a calculated risk that could pay off big if Helenius can deliver under the playoff spotlight.

For Sabres fans, this is a moment of excitement and hope. Helenius has the skill to change the game, and his debut could be just what the team needs to even the series. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good underdog story, this is a move worth watching—and maybe even celebrating with some fresh Sabres gear.