Sunday, May 17, 2026

Facing elimination in front of a hostile Saturday night crowd in Montreal, the Buffalo Sabres stared into the abyss after surrendering three first-period goals. Then, they completely flipped the script. Rasmus Dahlin sparked a staggering offensive explosion, leading Buffalo to an 8-3 demolition of the Canadiens to keep their season alive. That stunning road reversal means we are getting the best two words in hockey: Game Seven. This Eastern Conference semifinal is now the only second-round series left on the board, going the absolute distance after the rest of the league handled their business early. The Carolina Hurricanes are resting comfortably, having already swept Philadelphia to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final. They will await the survivor of this Montreal and Buffalo bloodbath. Out West, the bracket is completely locked in and ready for the puck to drop. The Colorado Avalanche made quick work of Minnesota in five games, while the Vegas Golden Knights dispatched Anaheim in six to set up a heavyweight Western Conference Final clash. But the hockey world's spotlight remains fixed out East. Buffalo heads home for the decider carrying all the momentum, looking to become the only team this postseason to survive a three-goal deficit in an elimination game and live to tell the tale.