The Habs jumped out to a two-goal lead in Game 7 on Monday in Buffalo but couldn’t hold it as the game ultimately required overtime. In the extra frame, Alex Newhook was able to fire a long shot past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to send the Canadiens onto the Eastern Conference Final.
For the second straight series, the Habs failed to close things out on home ice and will have to win on the road to move on. Here are seven keys to a Game Seven victory over the Sabres.
For the second straight series, the Habs haven’t made it easy on themselves. They lost twice at home but won on the road in Buffalo, forcing another Game 7 as they look to keep their season alive.
The Habs were able to jump out to a two-goal lead in the first period on Saturday night with a chance to clinch their series. However, Buffalo scored seven unanswered goals from there, forcing a Game Seven showdown on Monday with an 8-3 victory.
After a very eventful first period that had them trailing, the Habs bounced back in a big way on Thursday night in Buffalo. They scored three times in the second while Ivan Demidov picked up his first NHL playoff goal in the third to give Montreal the 6-3 win and a 3-2 series lead.
After a strong Game 3 showing, the Habs were back at home Tuesday to try to take a two-game lead on the Sabres. They grabbed the lead in the first period but weren’t able to hold on, falling 3-2.
Three games into the second round, our podcast digs into the series so far and what’s to come. Plus, thoughts on Laval’s early exit from the postseason and their Black Ace recalls.
The start of the second round wasn’t great for the Habs in the season opener but they bounced back nicely to take a series lead after the first week with their offence springing to life over the last two games.
Following Laval’s loss at the hands of the Marlies this week, the Habs were able to make their end-of-season ‘Black Ace’ recalls. It’s a smaller group than usual, with only four players getting the nod.
After squaring up the series to gain home ice advantage, the Habs returned home on Sunday to try to capitalize on that advantage. They didn’t start well but it didn’t matter as they picked up the 6-2 win to take a 2-1 series lead.