The Buffalo Sabres staged a spectacular comeback in the away game. © APA / MINAS PANAGIOTAKIS

Spectacular comeback: Sabres conjure up a stunning comeback in game 7

The Buffalo Sabres have made an impressive comeback in the NHL playoffs, forcing a decisive Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens.

17 May 2026

From: never

After losing Game 5 and facing the prospect of the season ending, Buffalo staged an impressive comeback from a 1-3 deficit – ultimately triumphing 8-3. Now the club can continue to dream of reaching the Conference Finals for the first time since 2007.

In front of a sold-out crowd at the Bell Centre, the Sabres initially got off to a better start. Captain Rasmus Dahlin scored after just 32 seconds to give Buffalo the lead. However, the Canadiens then took control: Arber Xhekaj tied the game after 1:40, Ivan Demidov put Montreal ahead 2-1 on the power play (8:12), before Jake Evans extended the lead to 3-1 while shorthanded (10:14).

Goalkeeper change initiates comeback

After conceding their third goal, Buffalo pulled goaltender Alex Lyon. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen took over in net – and the Sabres began their comeback. Buffalo then scored seven unanswered goals. The Sabres initially narrowed the gap to 2-3 before the end of the first period. After that, the game completely swung in favor of the visitors, who grew increasingly dominant offensively and barely allowed Montreal any respite.

Buffalo was led by Dahlin, who finished with five points. The defenseman scored one goal and assisted on four others. Tage Thompson also impressed with a goal and three assists. Luukkonen further stabilized Buffalo after coming into the game. The goalie had initially been benched after Game 5, but now played a crucial role in calming the game after falling behind 3-1. With this victory, the Sabres now return to Buffalo for the decisive Game 7.