Newhook Scores in Overtime as Canadiens Beat Sabres 3-2 in Game 7

BUFFALO — Alex Newhook delivered another Game 7 moment for the Montreal Canadiens, scoring 11:22 into overtime Monday night to lift Montreal past the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 and send the Canadiens through in dramatic fashion.

Newhook strikes again in a deciding game

Newhook carried the puck up the left wing, moved toward the circle and snapped a shot through traffic that beat Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen inside the far post.

It was Newhook’s second Game 7-winning goal of the postseason. He also scored the decisive goal in Montreal’s first-round series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, breaking a 1-1 tie 11:07 into the third period.

For the Canadiens, the overtime goal capped a tense road victory in a game that tightened as it went on and required a strong performance from goaltender Jakub Dobes.

Dobes gives Montreal a chance

Dobes finished with 37 saves for the Canadiens, helping Montreal withstand stretches of Buffalo pressure and a late push after the Sabres tied the game in the third period.

Buffalo outshot Montreal, but the Canadiens got enough timely offence from Phillip Danault, Zachary Bolduc and Newhook to survive a winner-take-all game.

Sabres force overtime but fall short

Rasmus Dahlin gave Buffalo life when he tied the game 6:27 into the third period, forcing overtime and bringing the home crowd back into the game.

Jordan Greenway also scored for the Sabres, while Luukkonen made 22 saves.
Buffalo’s season ended despite a strong effort and late momentum. The Sabres pushed Montreal deep into overtime but could not find the final goal.

Canadiens keep finding playoff answers

Montreal’s win adds another chapter to a postseason built on close games, timely scoring and pressure-tested goaltending. Newhook’s ability to deliver in decisive moments has become one of the Canadiens’ defining playoff storylines.

For Buffalo, the loss will sting. The Sabres were close to extending their own playoff run, but Montreal’s poise in overtime proved to be the difference.