In a pivotal Game 6 on May 16, 2026, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 at the Bell Centre, evening the first-round playoff series at 3-3. The win forced a decisive Game 7, scheduled for May 18, 2026, in Buffalo.
Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored two goals, including the game-winner in the second period, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 32 saves. The Canadiens' Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki each scored, but Montreal struggled to contain Buffalo's forecheck.
The Sabres' power play converted 2 of 4 opportunities, a key factor in the victory. Montreal's penalty kill, which had been strong earlier in the series, allowed two goals. The Canadiens outshot Buffalo 34-28 but could not solve Luukkonen in key moments.
Game 7 will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on May 18, 2026, with the winner advancing to the second round to face the Florida Panthers.
