Why did Sabres force Game 7?

Sabres stunned Canadiens, forcing a deciding game

Buffalo kept its season alive with a dominant Game 6 road performance against Montreal, blanking the Canadiens’ push and turning a tense series into a do-or-die set. The Sabres won 8-3, scoring early and then taking control as the game progressed—an outcome that flipped the momentum after Montreal had been trying to close things out.

The goalie change mattered, too

A key storyline was Buffalo’s goaltending and how Montreal responded early. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen entered and made 17 saves after starter Alex Lyon was pulled partway through the first period. Montreal’s attempt to gain traction quickly was met with resistance, and after Buffalo wrested control, it was largely the Sabres’ night.

A turnaround anchored by scoring bursts

Buffalo’s offensive surge is what turned the elimination threat into a blowout. Rasmus Dahlin registered a productive night in a “five-point” type stretch, while Tage Thompson added a goal and multiple assists—contributions that reflected both depth scoring and sustained pressure.

What this changes in the series

• Montreal no longer has the chance to finish the series in front of its home crowd.
• Buffalo earns a Game 7, giving it another shot at advancing.
• The series outcome now hinges on a single game rather than cumulative adjustments.

Why it’s important

In a playoff series, forcing Game 7 matters because it preserves roster hope and betting liquidity—more importantly, it gives the underdog another opportunity to execute a contained game plan. With Buffalo’s lopsided win, the Sabres head back with confidence that their offense can overwhelm Montreal when it hits.

Game 7 will be played back in Buffalo after this road demolition.