Canadiens hand Sabres a season-ending Game 7 loss in overtime

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres' 2025-26 season came to an end Monday night after a 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup at KeyBank Center.

Alex Newhook was the hero for Montreal once again, scoring the game-winner just halfway past the first overtime period. Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes made 37 saves in the victory, helping the Canadiens advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Canadiens got on the board first, as center Phillip Danault was stationed in front of the Buffalo crease for the puck to deflect into the net behind goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen off his skate off a point shot by defenseman Kaiden Guhle.

Later in the period, Cole Caufield had two point-blank shots in front of Luukkonen, but the Sabres goalie was up to the task with a pair of big glove saves.

However, after the saves, Sabres winger Zach Benson received a delay of game penalty after his clearing attempt cleared the glass and went out of play.

On the ensuing Canadiens power play, Montreal extended its lead, as captain Nick Suzuki found forward Zachary Bolduc wide-open in front of the Buffalo net for a one-timer to extend the advantage to 2-0.

Early in the second period, Buffalo looked to have a four-minute power play coming, as center Josh Norris was caught with a high stick that drew blood. After review, though, it was called back after the replay showed Benson's stick striking his teammate up high.

The score remained 2-0 through most of the second period, with both teams trading chances.

Buffalo finally beat Dobes after a strong shift by the fourth line, as a puck found defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in the slot for a shot on goal. His attempt made it's way through traffic in front, glancing off winger Jordan Greenway's pant leg to cut the Montreal lead to 2-1.

The Sabres got their first chance on the power play just moments into the third period, as Danault went to the box for high sticking. However, Buffalo could not tie the game with the man advantage.

Minutes later, though, a key faceoff win by center Ryan McLeod set up defenseman Owen Power to feed captain Rasmus Dahlin, who was cutting to the net. Dahlin's quick shot beat Dobes to the post to tie the game at 2-2.

The Sabres thought they had taken the lead, as winger Beck Malenstyn put home a loose puck in the crease behind Dobes. However, the officials called the play dead with the puck under the goalie's pads.

Buffalo carried most of the play in the third period with an 11-4 shots advantage.

The game headed to sudden death overtime, where the Sabres continued their strong play with a couple of great scoring chances to clinch the series.

However, it was Newhook scoring the game-winner just past the midway point of the extra period, as he put a wrist shot on net through two players cutting in front of Luukkonen and the puck knuckled its way just under the glove of the Buffalo goaltender.

Newhook is credited for scoring the game-winning goals in both of Montreal's Game 7 victories in this year's playoffs.

Though winning their first series over the Boston Bruins and going to Game 7 against Montreal, the Sabres struggled at KeyBank Center this postseason, with their home record dropping to 2-5 with the loss.

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SCORING RECAP

First Period:
BUF: NONE
MTL: 4:30 - Phillip Danault (1) (Kaiden Guhle, Alexandre Texier); 14:29 - Zachary Bolduc (3) PPG (Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson)

Second Period:
BUF: 13:19 - Jordan Greenway (2) (Mattias Samuelsson, Beck Malenstyn)
MTL: NONE

Third Period:
BUF: 6:27 - Rasmus Dahlin (4) (Owen Power, Ryan McLeod)
MTL: NONE

Overtime:
BUF: NONE
MTL: 11:22 - Alex Newhook (7) (Alexandre Carrier)

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STATS OF THE GAME:

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BlueStar Home Services Three Stars of the Game:

1.) Alex Newhook - MTL
2.) Jakub Dobes - MTL
3.) Rasmus Dahlin - BUF

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What's next:

The Sabres will begin the process of locker room cleanout day on Tuesday, where many players are expected to address the media one last time before the offseason. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen are also expected to speak with the media at some point during the week.