| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUF | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| MTL | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Sabres, Second Round Game 6, beat Canadiens 8–3 at Bell Centre on May 16, 2026.
The Buffalo Sabres delivered a stunning performance in an elimination Game 6, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 8-3. This result ties the series 3-3, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7.
This matchup in the second round of the playoffs has become a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with the series now tied after Buffalo's blowout victory. Both teams have won three games apiece, raising the stakes for the upcoming Game 7. The Canadiens, who led the series 3-2, now find themselves on even ground with the Sabres, who managed to bounce back when faced with elimination.
The turning point of the game came early in the second period. After the Canadiens jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first period, the Sabres seized control with a quick reply. Just one minute into the second, Zach Benson scored to tie the game, and just under ten minutes later, Jack Quinn netted another to give Buffalo a lead they would never relinquish. This momentum shift not only changed the course of the game but also shifted the pressure firmly onto the Canadiens, who were unable to recover.
Several Sabres players stepped up in this crucial game. Rasmus Dahlin showcased his offensive skills with three assists, orchestrating plays and contributing to multiple goals. Jack Quinn was electric, scoring two goals and adding an assist, highlighting his impact on the ice. Tage Thompson also had a strong showing, netting a goal and providing two assists, underlining his role as a key playmaker.
On the other side, Montreal's effort was anchored by Arber Xhekaj, Ivan Demidov, and Jake Evans, who all found the net in the first period. However, as the game progressed, the Canadiens struggled to match Buffalo's intensity and scoring output.
With the series now at a critical juncture, both teams will head into Game 7 with everything on the line. The Canadiens will look to reclaim their edge after a tough loss, while the Sabres will aim to ride this momentum into victory. Fans can expect an electrifying conclusion to this tightly contested series on the horizon.
Sabres won 8–3.
The final score was Sabres 8, Canadiens 3.
Jack Quinn (2), Jason Zucker, Konsta Helenius, Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Zach Benson, Zach Metsa.
Arber Xhekaj, Ivan Demidov, Jake Evans.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 18 saves on 18 shots (1.000 save percentage) for a shutout.
Jakub Dobes made 27 saves on 33 shots (.818 save percentage).
At Bell Centre in Montréal, the Canadiens home rink.
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