Buffalo Sabres

Canadiens Can’t Close It Out, Sabres Capitalize to Extend Series

The Buffalo Sabres scored seven unanswered goals to even the series with the Canadiens and both teams will play Game 7.

by
NHL Trade Talk
May 17, 2026

The Montreal Canadiens let a golden opportunity slip away Saturday night, falling 8-3 to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 at the Bell Centre and forcing a decisive Game 7.

Montreal came out flying, scoring three goals on its first four shots after Buffalo opened the scoring just 32 seconds in. Goals from Arber Xhekaj, Ivan Demidov, and Jake Evans gave the Canadiens a 3-1 lead and chased Sabres starter Alex Lyon early. But the momentum quickly flipped.

Buffalo took complete control from there, scoring seven unanswered goals in a dominant response. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was perfect in relief, stopping all 17 shots he faced, while the Sabres overwhelmed Montreal at both ends of the ice. Buffalo outshot the Canadiens 36-22 and went 4-for-6 on the power play. Goaltender Jakub Dobes has been pulled following the Sabres 6th goal, leading to Jacob Fowler making his playoff debut.

Rasmus Dahlin led the charge with a five-point performance, tying a franchise playoff record. Jack Quinn added two goals and three points, while Tage Thompson chipped in four points as the Sabres turned the game into a rout.

Rasmus Dahlin denies the threatened trade

“It’s probably the worst game we’ve played,” Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki admitted postgame.

Head coach Martin St. Louis pointed to a lack of composure as the game spiraled out of reach. After a strong start, Montreal struggled to generate offense and failed to respond once Buffalo adjusted.

The loss marks the first time the Canadiens have dropped a potential series-clinching home game after leading by multiple goals, adding to the sting of the collapse. Sportsnet Stats notes, “Canadiens lose a potential series-clinching game at home when leading by multiple goals for the first time in franchise history.”

Momentum is now clearly on the Sabres’ side, but it is not over. Montreal heads to Buffalo for Game 7 with confidence in its ability to respond, having gone 5-0 following losses this postseason.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Golden Knights & Oilers Move?