Alex Newhook scored an overtime goal Monday to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres [1].
The win marks a critical milestone for Montreal, as it eliminates Buffalo from the playoffs and secures the Canadiens a spot in the Eastern Conference Final [1].
The decisive goal occurred at 11:22 of the overtime period [2]. The game took place on May 18, 2026, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York [2, 4].
Montreal secured the series win with a 4-3 record over the seven games [1]. The victory ended a tense battle between the two clubs that required the full distance of the series to determine who would move forward in the postseason bracket [1, 3].
By winning Game 7, the Canadiens now move on to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final [1]. This matchup represents the final hurdle before the Stanley Cup Final.
The loss ends the season for the Sabres on their home ice [2]. Buffalo fought to a draw through regulation, but Newhook's effort in the extra frame sealed the result [2, 4].
“Alex Newhook scored an overtime goal Monday to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory.”
Montreal's progression to the Eastern Conference Final places them among the final four teams in the league. Facing the Carolina Hurricanes requires the Canadiens to maintain their momentum from a grueling seven-game series while adjusting to a new opponent with a different tactical approach.
