The Buffalo Sabres' most anticipated season in a generation came to a heartbreaking conclusion Monday night, as Alex Newhook's overtime goal lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series at KeyBank Center. The loss ended what had been nothing short of a magical campaign for a franchise that finally emerged from the longest playoff drought in NHL history.
Newhook, who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, scored 11:22 into the extra period to send the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Jakub Dobes stopped 39 shots for Montreal, including six in overtime, to preserve the victory.
How the Sabres Battled Back Before Falling in OT
The Canadiens seized control early, with Phillip Danault opening the scoring at 4:30 of the first period before Zachary Bolduc added a power-play goal at 14:29 to stake Montreal to a 2-0 lead. But the Sabres, who had made a habit of comebacks all season, refused to fold.
Jordan Greenway redirected a Mattias Samuelsson shot midway through the second period to cut the deficit in half. Then, with 13:33 remaining in regulation, Rasmus Dahlin wired home a shot from Owen Power and Ryan McLeod to tie the game, sending the home crowd of 19,070 into a frenzy.
The Sabres appeared to take the lead with 9:59 left when Greenway poked the puck through Dobes' pads and Beck Malenstyn pushed it across the goal line, but the goal was waved off due to an early whistle by the officials. It was a controversial moment that will be debated in Buffalo for years to come.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kept the Sabres in the game with 22 saves, including critical breakaway stops on Alexandre Texier and Josh Anderson during the opening frame when Montreal threatened to run away with the contest.
Timeline: From Last Place to Game 7 Overtime
The 2025-26 season represented one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent NHL history. The Sabres began the year 0-3-0, losing their first three games for the second consecutive season. By December, they sat in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10-4 record, leading to the firing of general manager Kevyn Adams on December 15.
Enter Jarmo Kekalainen, the former Columbus Blue Jackets GM, who took over the front office and immediately instilled a new culture. The Sabres responded with multiple winning streaks, climbing from the basement to capture the Atlantic Division crown with a 50-23-9 record and 109 points.
On April 4, the Sabres officially clinched their first playoff berth since 2011, ending a 14-season drought that had been the longest active streak in the NHL. They carried that momentum into the postseason, dispatching the Boston Bruins in six games in the first round — the franchise's first playoff series victory since 2007.
The second-round series against Montreal was a back-and-forth classic. The teams traded blows through all seven games, with each side winning twice on home ice. Buffalo took Game 1 (4-2) and Game 4 (3-2) at home, while also notching dominant road wins in Game 6 (8-3) to force the deciding contest.
Why This Season Matters: The Bigger Picture in Buffalo
Though the ending was painful, the 2025-26 campaign fundamentally changed the trajectory of the Buffalo Sabres organization. Ending the league's longest active playoff drought removes an enormous psychological weight that had hung over the franchise for 14 years.
General manager Kekalainen addressed the team's needs at the trade deadline, acquiring defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from Winnipeg along with forward Tanner Pearson, signaling a clear belief that this team was built for a deep playoff run. The front office's aggressive approach paid immediate dividends in the regular season and playoffs.
The Sabres return a young, talented core led by Norris Trophy finalist Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Tage Thompson, and a deep goaltending tandem featuring Luukkonen and Alex Lyon. The experience gained from winning a playoff series and pushing a veteran Canadiens team to the brink in Game 7 is invaluable for a group that had zero postseason experience entering the year.
As the Sabres skated off the ice Monday night, the KeyBank Center crowd rose to its feet in a thunderous standing ovation — a moment that spoke volumes about how far this team has come and the connection they've rebuilt with a long-suffering fanbase.
Where the Sabres Go From Here
The immediate focus for Buffalo shifts to the offseason and a crucial summer of roster management. The Sabres have significant cap flexibility and a core of players entering their primes. Kekalainen has already hinted at potential moves to address remaining roster needs.
Bowen Byram is due for a new contract after a strong season, and the team will need to navigate its goaltending situation with three capable netminders. The Sabres also hold their full complement of draft picks, including what could be a late first-round selection.
The Atlantic Division will remain highly competitive, with Tampa Bay, Montreal, Boston, and Ottawa all expected to contend. But Buffalo has proven it belongs among the Eastern Conference's elite.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead
For Montreal, the journey continues against a Carolina Hurricanes team that will present a different set of challenges. The Canadiens, who lost to the Washington Capitals in the first round a year ago, have rapidly accelerated their rebuild and now find themselves four wins from a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
For Buffalo, the offseason begins with a sense of optimism that hasn't existed in Western New York for over a decade. The Sabres proved they can win in the regular season and playoffs. The next step is taking the lessons from Game 7 and turning them into sustained success.
Key Takeaways from the Sabres' Season
- Ended 14-year playoff drought — the longest active streak in NHL history
- Won first playoff series since 2007, defeating Boston in six games
- Captured Atlantic Division title with 50-23-9 record (109 points)
- Rebounded from last place in December after firing GM Kevyn Adams
- Jarmo Kekalainen took over as GM and engineered a mid-season turnaround
- Young core of Dahlin, Power, Thompson, and Luukkonen gained crucial playoff experience
- Fans delivered a standing ovation after Game 7 loss, signaling renewed faith in the franchise
