Newhook's overtime winner knocks Buffalo out, Canadiens reach Eastern Conference final

Alex Newhook ended Montreal’s second-round series at 11:22 of overtime on Monday, scoring in a 3-2 Game 7 win over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center and sending the Canadiens into the Eastern Conference final, according to NHL.com. The goal capped a comeback finish to a series Buffalo had pushed to the limit on home ice. Montreal will now face the Carolina Hurricanes in the next round, with Carolina holding home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven series, NHL.com said. The league also published the full conference-final schedule on Tuesday. ### How did Game 7 end? Alex Newhook scored from the top of the circle at 11:22 of overtime to break a 2-2 tie and eliminate Buffalo, NHL.com’s game recap said. The goal gave Montreal a 3-2 victory in Game 7 and completed the Canadiens’ advance from the Eastern Conference second round. (nhl.com) Buffalo forced overtime after erasing a two-goal deficit, according to NHL.com and the Sabres’ team site. Montreal had struck twice in the opening period before Buffalo rallied to level the game and extend its season into extra time. ### What does this result settle in the East bracket? (nhl.com) Montreal’s win finalized the Eastern Conference final matchup as Canadiens versus Hurricanes, NHL.com said. Carolina entered as the No. 1 seed from the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference, while Montreal came through as the No. 3 seed from the Atlantic Division. (nhl.com) The result also ended Buffalo’s playoff run one win short of the conference final. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told NHL.com after the loss that the run was “a giant step” for his team, even as the season ended in overtime. ### Why does Carolina have home ice? (nhl.com) Carolina will open the series at home because it was the No. 1 seed in the East, NHL.com said. The Hurricanes had already advanced and were waiting for the winner of Montreal-Buffalo. The Hurricanes’ team site said Carolina swept its first two playoff rounds before drawing Montreal in the conference final. (nhl.com) That left the club with extra rest before the series opener in Raleigh. ### When does the Eastern Conference final start? Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday in Raleigh, North Carolina, at 8 p.m. (nhl.com) ET, according to NHL.com’s playoff lookahead and conference-final schedule page. The game will air on TNT, HBO Max, truTV, SN, CBC and TVAS, the league said. (nhl.com) NHL.com’s series page lists Game 2 for Saturday in Carolina, with Games 3 and 4 shifting to Montreal on Monday and Wednesday. If necessary, Games 5 through 7 are set for May 29, May 31 and June 2. ### What is the immediate next step for both teams? (nhl.com) Montreal heads into the conference final after surviving a winner-take-all road game, while Buffalo begins its offseason after losing on one overtime shot. Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin told the team site, “It’s one shot that decides the whole season.” (nhl.com) Thursday, May 21, is the next date on the bracket. The Canadiens and Hurricanes are set to open the Eastern Conference final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, with the NHL’s schedule page carrying the full series slate and broadcast details. (nhl.com 1) (nhl.com 2)