The NHL playoffs continue to deliver drama as the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens prepare for a winner-take-all Game 7 on May 17. After six intense contests that have gone back and forth, the series stands tied at three games apiece. Both teams have shown resilience, with Buffalo rallying late in Game 6 to force the decisive matchup.
The Sabres enter with momentum after an 8-3 victory in Montreal. Their ability to score early and often has been a hallmark of this series, as they netted the first goal in five of the six games played so far.
Buffalo Sabres Push for Eastern Conference Finals
Buffalo’s path to this point has been defined by strong performances from their key stars. Captain Rasmus Dahlin opened the scoring just 32 seconds into Game 6, setting the tone before the team exploded for six unanswered goals from the second period onward.
Veteran forward Jason Zucker delivered a crucial late goal in the third period of Game 6 to shift momentum back in the Sabres’ favor. Dahlin finished with a goal and four assists, while Tage Thompson added a goal and three assists in the blowout win.
The series has featured high-scoring affairs, including Montreal’s 6-3 victory in Game 5 and Buffalo’s earlier 4-2 win in Game 1. Heading into Game 7 at home, the Sabres will look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and the hot play of their top performers.
- Game 1: Montreal 2, Buffalo 4
- Game 2: Montreal 5, Buffalo 1
- Game 3: Buffalo 2, Montreal 6
- Game 4: Buffalo 3, Montreal 2
- Game 5: Montreal 6, Buffalo 3
- Game 6: Buffalo 8, Montreal 3
Game 7 odds favor Buffalo at 1.35 on BetMGM, reflecting their current form. The winner advances to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.
Carolina Hurricanes Enjoy Extended Rest Advantage
While the Sabres and Canadiens battle it out, the Carolina Hurricanes have been idle since May 9. Their Eastern Conference finals matchup will begin on May 18 after nearly two full weeks off, giving them significant recovery time.
The Hurricanes swept through their second-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers with relative ease. They won all four games, including a pair of overtime victories in Games 2 and 4.
This extended break could prove beneficial as Carolina prepares for a potential matchup against either Buffalo or Montreal. Their rested roster may hold an edge in what promises to be another grueling series.
Western Conference Series Reach Critical Stages
In the West, the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild head into their own potential Game 5 on May 17 with the series tied 2-2. The Avalanche hold home-ice advantage for the decider if necessary, following a 4-3 overtime win in Game 5.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights lead the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 after a 5-1 victory in Game 6. The series could conclude on May 17 if Vegas closes it out, or extend to a Game 7.
These matchups highlight the competitive balance across the conference. Both series feature teams that have alternated wins, keeping fans on edge for the remainder of the second round.
Top Performers Driving Playoff Action
Several players have stood out through the first two rounds. Mitch Marner of the Golden Knights leads all scorers with 18 points in 12 games. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes of the Wild are tied for second with 15 points each in 11 games.
Jack Eichel and Tage Thompson also sit at 15 points, with Thompson’s contributions helping power the Sabres’ attack. Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche has 13 points in just nine games, showcasing his efficiency.
Rasmus Dahlin and Lane Hutson round out the top scorers with 13 points apiece, illustrating the impact of defensemen in this year’s postseason. These numbers underscore the depth of talent still competing for the Stanley Cup.
Looking Ahead to Conference Finals Matchups
As the dust settles from the second round, the path to the Stanley Cup final becomes clearer. The Eastern Conference showdown between Carolina and the survivor of Buffalo-Montreal promises high-level play from rested or momentum-driven squads.
In the West, the Avalanche and Golden Knights remain strong contenders depending on the outcomes of their respective series. The extended rest for some teams and the late surges from others add intriguing layers to the upcoming rounds.
This stage of the playoffs often separates the contenders from the champions, with every shift carrying added weight. The May 17 schedule will play a pivotal role in determining who advances and sets the tone for the remainder of the postseason.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.