Montreal Canadiens advance to Eastern Conference Final with overtime Game 7 win over Buffalo

Forward Alex Newhook scored 11:22 into overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 3‑2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the second‑round playoffs, sending Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final where they will meet the Carolina Hurricanes. Newhook’s winner was his second series‑clinching goal in a Game 7 this postseason, the first coming against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Goaltender Jakub Dobes made 37 saves, including a decisive stop on Tage Thompson in overtime, and was quoted after the win: “Their fans like to chant my name … I like that, too. It gives me fire because I like being the villain.”

The win marked Montreal’s first conference‑final appearance since 2021. The game sparked wild celebrations in Buffalo and a massive watch‑party crowd at Montreal’s Bell Centre. Police deployed a heavy presence to manage the festivities; several fireworks were set off and a small group threw bottles and garbage cans at officers, prompting the use of tear‑gas and the detention of at least two people. The incident was described as “rowdy” but no major disturbances were reported after the game concluded.

Buffalo’s players expressed the heartbreak of the loss, with forward Alex Tuch saying the defeat “won’t go away” and coach Lindy Ruff emphasizing that the single game does not define the Sabres’ season. The Canadiens now look to the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, hoping to continue their deep playoff run.