Alex Newhook delivered the finishing blow at 11:22 of overtime, lifting the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at KeyBank Center. The goal came after a cross-ice feed from Alexandre Carrier, allowing Newhook to enter the left circle and release a low wrist shot past the glove of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
The moment ended a tightly contested series and marked Newhook’s second series-clinching overtime goal in these playoffs. He previously secured a Game 7 win in the opening round against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Newhook described the finish as an emotional surge, noting the intensity of the series and the decisive nature of a single scoring chance in overtime. He also emphasized the value of celebrating the breakthrough with teammates after such a tightly fought matchup.
A strong start builds early advantage
Phillip Danault opened the scoring at 4:30 of the first period, giving Montreal an early edge. The puck redirected off his skate following a centering attempt from Kaiden Guhle after a battle for possession behind Buffalo’s net involving Josh Anderson.
The Canadiens extended their lead later in the opening frame when Zachary Bolduc converted on the power play at 14:29. Nick Suzuki set up the play with a backhand pass from the corner, and Bolduc finished from the right side with a rising shot under the crossbar.
That two-goal cushion reflected Montreal’s early efficiency, as they capitalized on limited chances while establishing control of the scoreboard through special teams and net front presence.
Sabres respond and force extra time
The Sabres answered in the second period when Buffalo Sabres forward Jordan Greenway reduced the deficit at 13:19 with a deflected shot that changed direction off Mattias Samuelsson during a screen in front of the net.
Buffalo later leveled the contest in the third period through Rasmus Dahlin, who finished a passing sequence from Owen Power with a shot from the left circle that beat Jakub Dobeš short side. That equalizer shifted momentum as the game moved into its final stretch.
Despite Buffalo’s push, Montreal’s goaltender Jakub Dobeš finished with 37 saves and helped his team reach overtime after enduring heavy pressure following the tying goal.
Aftermath and next challenge ahead
Montreal coach Martin St. Louis reflected on the significance of the playoff environment, emphasizing the value of experiencing high-stakes elimination hockey and the emotional weight of overtime success.
On the opposing side, Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the disappointment of elimination but stated that the defeat should not overshadow the team’s broader season performance. Players, including Tage Thompson, also expressed frustration after coming so close to extending their run.
With the victory, Montreal advances to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, with Game 1 scheduled in Raleigh.