Alex Newhook’s Overtime Goal Sends Canadiens Past Sabres in Game 7

On May 13, 2024, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres 3–2 in overtime of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Buffalo. Alex Newhook scored the winner at 11:22 of overtime, having tied the game at 11:07 of the third period. Jakub Dobes made 37 saves; Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 22. Montreal’s other goals came from Phillip Danault, Zachary Bolduc and captain Nick Suzuki; Buffalo’s goals were scored by Rasmus Dahlin and Jordan Greenway.

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The series was the Canadiens’ first playoff meeting with the Sabres since a 2006 first-round series in which Carolina beat Montreal. Montreal entered after sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning, a series that also featured a Newhook Game 7 winner. Buffalo ended a 14-season playoff drought, won its first Atlantic Division title and posted a 39-9-5 record in its final 53 games.

Associated Press

The game ended 3-2 for Montreal. Newhook’s overtime goal at 11:22 gave him a 2-0 record in Game 7 overtime winners. Buffalo’s Game 7 record fell to 1-7 (1-3 in overtime). The Sabres finished 39-9-5, clinching their first Atlantic Division title and ending a 14-year playoff drought.

Associated Press

Newhook called the win a “crazy feeling,” stressing team confidence, collective effort and fan support. He highlighted added pieces and the need to keep momentum. Buffalo’s organization noted the turnaround from last place to division champion, acknowledging the loss while framing the season as a breakthrough after a 14-year playoff absence.

Associated Press

• “It’s fun. It’s why you play the game. I think we played well enough to win, so we’re looking forward now.” — Alex Newhook, Forward, Montreal Canadiens

Associated Press

• “We owe them a lot of credit. They showed up for us all series long, and can’t wait to get back to the Bell Centre for Game 3.” — Alex Newhook, Forward, Montreal Canadiens

Associated Press

• “We’ve added some pieces, and I think everyone’s kind of come together to play together and play their role to the best of their ability this far in playoffs. We’ve got to keep it rolling.” — Alex Newhook, Forward, Montreal Canadiens

Associated Press

• “The Sabres enter their offseason following a breakout year in which they won their first Atlantic Division title and ended an NHL-record14-season playoff drought.” — Summary of Buffalo Sabres’ season statement (paraphrased from team remarks)

Associated Press

With the win, Montreal moves to the Eastern Conference finals to meet the Carolina Hurricanes, who enjoy an 11-day rest—the longest break in NHL history. The victory marks the Canadiens’ first conference-final appearance since the COVID-altered 2021 playoffs. Buffalo concludes a season that ended a 14-year playoff drought and secured its inaugural Atlantic Division title.

Associated Press