Canadiens advance past Sabres on Newhook’s overtime winner
Alex Newhook’s long-range strike in sudden-death overtime secures Montreal’s series victory over Buffalo, marking his second Game 7 winning goal of the postseason.
The Montreal Canadiens have advanced in the NHL playoffs after defeating the Buffalo Sabres in a decisive Game 7, with forward Alex Newhook scoring the winning goal in sudden-death overtime. According to reporting from Yahoo Sports, the match concluded after a tense period of play that saw the outcome hinge on a late disallowed goal and a subsequent overtime strike.
Montreal established an early advantage, holding a 2-0 lead in the first period. The Sabres responded by scoring two goals to level the contest, setting the stage for a tight finish. In the third period, Buffalo forward Beck Malenstyn appeared to score a go-ahead goal, but the result was overturned after officials determined the puck crossed the line a fraction of a second after the referee’s whistle.
The disallowed goal forced the series into sudden-death overtime. During this period, both teams generated close-range scoring opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock until Newhook intervened. Just under halfway through the overtime frame, the Canadiens forward released a long shot that bypassed Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to secure the victory.
This result marks the second consecutive playoff series for Montreal that has been decided by a late goal in a Game 7. Newhook previously delivered a decisive performance in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring a late third-period goal to eliminate the opposition.
The victory underscores the Canadiens’ ability to close out high-pressure series. Newhook’s contribution in overtime serves as his second Game 7 winning goal of the current postseason, further cementing his role in Montreal’s playoff run.
