Canadiens Highlights: Newhook Clinches The Series
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Montreal Canadiens faced the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of their second-round series, hoping to earn yet another exciting, underdog win. Prior to puck drop, the Habs announced they would make one lineup modification, replacing fourth-line forward Joe Veleno with rookie Oliver Kapanen, who made his series debut. It was yet another exciting matchup, and the Habs managed to emerge with a 3-2 win, qualifying for the Eastern Conference final in the process.
Let’s dive into the highlights! Veteran Impact The Canadiens got off to a great start, culminating in Phillip Danault’s first goal of the playoffs. The veteran capitalized on a great forecheck by Josh Anderson, not to mention a very smart pass by defenceman Kaiden Guhle.
At that point in the game, the high-danger scoring chances were already 3-0 in favour of the Habs, and it must be noted that the team was 12-2 when they score first in a Game 7. Phillip Danault scores early to give the #GoHabsGo a 1-0 lead. Great work by Josh Anderson on the forecheck.
pic. twitter. com/J7YNSsGK5k — Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 18, 2026 Crucial Goals Depth players continued to play a crucial role in the game, as evidenced by Zachary Bolduc’s third goal of the playoffs.
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki provided an excellent assist on the play. Considering he had an up and down regular-season, Bolduc’s uptick in effort and results throughout the playoffs is more than commendable. He’s still a very young player with a long career ahead of him.