The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres met Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for Game 1 of the second-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs [1].

This matchup represents a critical step toward the championship for both franchises. The series follows a grueling first round for Montreal, which advanced after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 on Sunday [3].

The game began at 6:30 p.m. ET [1]. The broadcast was carried live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ in Canada [2].

Buffalo enters the series facing a roster challenge. Elliotte Friedman said Sam Carrick won't play in Wednesday night's series-opening contest [4]. The loss of Carrick forces the Sabres to adjust their depth as they face a Canadiens team coming off a high-stakes victory.

Historically, the rivalry between these two teams in the postseason has been one-sided. The previous two playoff meetings between Montreal and Buffalo ended in sweeps [2]. This history creates a backdrop of redemption for the Sabres and a quest for dominance for the Canadiens.

Ryan Dixon said, "This one should be different" [5].

The Canadiens arrive in this series with significant momentum. CityNews staff said the Habs edged the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 on Sunday, securing a second-round matchup against the Buffalo Sabres [3]. That victory over Tampa Bay provides Montreal with the psychological edge needed for the start of this new series.

“The previous two playoff meetings between Montreal and Buffalo ended in sweeps.”

The series is defined by a clash between Montreal's current momentum and Buffalo's historical struggle against the Canadiens in the playoffs. With Buffalo missing Sam Carrick for the opener and Montreal coming off a Game 7 victory, the early games will likely determine if Buffalo can break the pattern of previous sweeps or if Montreal's path to the finals remains unobstructed.