The energy inside KeyBank Center was absolutely electric last night as the hockey world tuned in for a decisive Game 7 clash. When it comes to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens, fans have learned to expect fireworks, and Monday night’s Conference Semi-Finals finale delivered on every front. Pushing through a deafening away crowd, the Montreal Canadiens punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals, narrowly defeating the Buffalo Sabres with a thrilling 3-2 victory. It was a nail-biter from puck drop to the final horn, showcasing the exact brand of gritty, high-stakes hockey that makes the NHL playoffs so legendary.
How the Montreal Canadiens Outlasted the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7
The matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens has been a grueling, back-and-forth war of attrition over the past two weeks, culminating in last night’s showdown. Early in the game, it was clear that Montreal was ready to seize the moment. The Canadiens got balanced offensive production, with crucial goals coming from Alex Newhook, Zachary Bolduc, and veteran Phillip Danault.
Despite Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen making 22 solid saves, the Sabres found themselves trailing and fighting desperately to keep their season alive. Buffalo mounted a fierce push, breaking through with goals from Rasmus Dahlin and Jordan Greenway, keeping the Montreal defense on their heels.
However, the absolute star of the night was Montreal’s goaltender, Jakub Dobeš. Facing a barrage of high-danger chances from the Sabres’ lethal offense, Dobeš put on a masterclass, stopping a staggering 37 of 39 shots for a sparkling .949 save percentage. Buffalo controlled possession late in the third period, but Dobeš and the Montreal penalty kill suffocated the shooting lanes, holding the line as the clock ticked down to zero.
Looking Ahead: Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Series Schedule
With the unforgettable Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens series now officially in the rearview mirror, Montreal must quickly shift its focus to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Canadiens are set to face off against a heavily rested and highly formidable Carolina Hurricanes squad.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see their team back in action. The series with the Carolina Hurricanes starts on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM EDT. Game 1 will be hosted at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Canadiens will need to pack their elite defensive intensity and opportunistic scoring on the road if they hope to steal home-ice advantage early in the series.
Finding the latest NHL news, NHL trade rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions
If you want to stay updated on Montreal’s epic playoff run and everything else happening around the league, we have you covered. For finding the latest NHL news, NHL trade rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions, be sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks. We provide breaking updates, in-depth analysis, and everything a die-hard hockey fan needs to stay ahead of the game. Don’t miss out on any of the offseason moves or playoff drama—sign up for our newsletter below!
