It ended in overtime and it ended in heartbreak for Buffalo. The Sabres fought until the final buzzer Monday night at Key Bank Center, but Alex Newhook’s overtime goal lifted Montreal to a 3-2 victory in Game 7, ending Buffalo’s playoff run in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It was a gut-wrenching finish for a team that had every reason to believe.
The Sabres outshot the Canadiens 39-25, but converted on just 5% of their chances. Buffalo tied it at 2-3 on a Jordan Greenway goal to force OT, but Newhook ended it early in the extra frame to send the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference finals against Carolina. After the game, Coach Lindy Ruff spoke about the effort this group gave all season long.
“You know, I took the job. I thought number one was I wanted these guys to like being a Buffalo Sabre. I think they like being a Sabre and I think they they did our city proud.” He continued,” It wasn’t the result we wanted and to a man they’re all they’re all disappointed, but they gave me everything they had in their tank. ”
For the Sabres, this will be a season that will be remembered as a coming out party for the franchise. Key Bank Center rocked all spring long, the future remains bright in Buffalo.
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