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Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield, right, skates out of the zone during the second period in Game 7 of a second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres Monday, May 18, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Montreal Canadiens booked their place in the Eastern Conference Final with a thrilling NHL Game 7 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Alex Newhook was Montreal’s hero, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in front of a tense KeyBank Center crowd.The Buffalo Sabres dominated the Canadiens in the matchup, particularly in a feisty third period that featured goals, controversial moments and constant pressure. Now the result leaves Montreal further into the Stanley Cup Playoffs while Buffalo suffers another painful postseason exit.
Alex Newhook stars during Montreal Canadiens NHL Game 7 against Buffalo Sabres
Alex Newhook the difference-maker with the overtime winner for the Montreal Canadiens against the Buffalo Sabres. The forward ripped a shot through Buffalo’s defense, quieting the home crowd immediately and punching Montreal’s ticket to the Eastern Conference Final.The game already was one of the more intense NHL matchups of today. Montreal had a 2-0 lead before the Buffalo Sabres rallied in the third period. Mattias Samuelsson got the Sabres going with a big goal, and Rasmus Dahlin tied it up after a long stretch of offensive pressure.Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes was also caught up in the drama and appeared frustrated with a crease collision that was apparently missed by officials. Buffalo then capitalized with Dahlin’s tying goal moments later, setting up a nerve-wracking finish before overtime.
Alex Newhook’s game-winner immediately became one of the biggest NHL game results of the postseason. Montreal's forward came through when it mattered most, adding to his reputation as a clutch playoff performer for the Canadiens.This victory also shows how resilient the Montreal Canadiens have been throughout this NHL playoff run, despite Buffalo’s comeback and the emotional intensity inside the KeyBank Center, Montreal was able to stay composed long enough to regain control in overtime.The loss is added to postseason frustration for the Buffalo Sabres, who nearly pulled off a memorable Game 7 comeback effort. But Alex Newhook’s breakout performance has already been one of the defining NHL news roundup moments of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.



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