11:22 of OT: That's When Newhook Crushed Buffalo and Sent Montreal to the East Final

Alright, Seattle, listen up! You know that gut-wrenching, heart-pounding feeling of a Game 7? The kind where every single shift feels like it could be the end or the beginning of something special? Well, hold onto your Kraken jerseys, because what went down in Buffalo last night was exactly that, and it was absolutely wild. The Montreal Canadiens, after a classic showdown, finally knocked out the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime. And let me tell you, when Alex Newhook potted that winner at 11:22 of the extra frame, the Emerald City could practically feel the roar.

The Game 7 OT Thriller We All Dream Of

Man, what a game. This was the kind of hockey you live for, the kind our Kraken will be fighting for in future playoff runs. The Canadiens and Sabres threw everything they had at each other, trading blows like it was the final round of a heavyweight fight. Montreal managed to jump ahead early. Danault got one in there, using his skate to deflect the puck right into the cage. Then Bolduc unloaded a one-timer on the power play to double the lead. But Buffalo wasn't just gonna roll over, right? Greenway redirected Samuelsson's blast to get the Sabres on the board, and then Dahlin, who was a beast all series, snapped one through the back door in the third period to tie it up. Three goals, two teams, and then pure chaos as it headed into overtime. And that's where Newhook delivered the dagger, securing the 3-2 victory and sending the Canadiens packing for the Eastern Conference Final. You gotta feel for those Sabres fans, because an overtime loss in Game 7? That stings deeper than a Seattle summer without rain.

How the Sabres Forced the Ultimate Showdown

If you just looked at the final score, you might think it was a one-sided affair for Montreal. But don't forget, Buffalo clawed their way to this Game 7 in the first place. These guys fought their way back from the brink, and a huge part of that was their performance in Game 6. In that contest, Rasmus Dahlin was an absolute force, racking up five points to help the Sabres force this winner-take-all showdown. And let's not forget Luukkonen, who came in making 18 saves in relief during that Game 6 to keep their season alive. It shows you the kind of grit both teams had, pushing each other to the absolute limit. It was a proper playoff series, the kind we're dying to see more of at Climate Pledge Arena.

What's Next for the Red-Hot Canadiens

So, with the dust settled, the Montreal Canadiens are moving on, and they're set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Carolina is already making noise, with the chatter being they've "seen enough" of playoff disappointments. Sounds like they're coming in with a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove a point. You know that feeling, 12s, when our Seahawks are heading into a big matchup against a team that's hungry. The Canadiens are riding high on an emotional Game 7 win, but the Hurricanes are waiting, and they sound like they mean business. Get ready for some serious hockey, because this next series is going to be an absolute battle.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.