Sabres Host Game 7 vs Canadiens After 8-3 Rally in Game 6

The Buffalo Sabres will host a winner-take-all Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night at KeyBank Center after rallying from an early deficit in Saturday’s Game 6, a result that set up another high-stakes matchup despite frequent goalie changes during the series. Buffalo has executed four goalie swaps, including midgame switches in each of its last two playoff games, and still enters Game 7 in position to advance in the second-round, best-of-seven series.

In Game 6 at the Bell Centre, the Sabres fell behind 3-1 early before staging a turnaround to win 8-3. Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen, called on in relief of starter Alex Lyon, stopped all 18 shots he faced. Luukkonen’s entry came after Lyon allowed three goals on four shots through the first 10 minutes and 14 seconds of the game before being pulled.

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said the decision was driven by what his team was seeing at the net. In describing the change, Ruff said it just felt Al wasnt seeing it, adding that he turned to Luukkonen and that Luukkonen made several key saves to prevent further Montreal scoring after the switch.

Buffalo’s goaltending strategy has required readiness across multiple roles....