ESPN analysts predict Sabres edge Canadiens in decisive NHL playoff Game 7
Buffalo and Montreal prepare for a winner-takes-all match that will determine who faces the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are set to clash in Game 7 of their NHL playoff series on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the decisive match broadcast on ESPN. The series is currently locked at three wins apiece, following dominant road victories for both teams in Games 5 and 6. The victor of this final encounter will secure a berth in the Eastern Conference finals to face the Carolina Hurricanes.
A panel of ESPN reporters and analysts has identified key performers expected to influence the outcome. For the Sabres, attention is focused on goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, captain Rasmus Dahlin, and winger Alex Tuch. The Canadiens’ performance is largely viewed through the lens of star forward Nick Suzuki, whose impact has varied significantly throughout the postseason.
Luukkonen is highlighted as a critical factor for Buffalo after shutting out the Canadiens in Game 6 following a struggle in the previous match. Meanwhile, Dahlin’s leadership has been emblematic of the team’s resilience, particularly given personal hardships he has faced, including his fiancée’s recovery from a heart transplant. His ability to remain disciplined and avoid penalties is seen as vital for tilting the ice in Buffalo’s favour.
Conversely, Tuch’s offensive output has been a concern, as he has gone six games without a point and recorded a negative plus-minus rating in five of the series’ matches. For Montreal, Suzuki’s productivity has been a reliable indicator of success; the Canadiens have won seven of his nine points in victories, whereas he has struggled in their six losses.
Predictions from the ESPN panel lean towards a Sabres victory, with three analysts picking Buffalo and one predicting a Canadiens win in overtime. Ryan S. Clark forecasts a 5-4 overtime victory for Montreal, while Emily Kaplan, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski all select the Sabres, with scores ranging from 5-3 to 6-4.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has jokingly suggested petitioning the league to move Game 7 to Montreal’s Bell Centre, acknowledging the team’s stronger performance on the road. Analysts note that Buffalo’s newly formed line featuring Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, and Zach Benson showed significant promise, recording a 7-1 advantage in scoring chances during their recent win in Montreal.
