Canadiens fail to light fuse in primed Bell Centre
The Montreal Canadiens failed to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after losing 8-3 to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 at Bell Centre, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Buffalo. Despite intense home support and an early goal from Arber Xhekaj, the Canadiens' defense collapsed as goaltender Jakub Dobes was pulled after allowing six goals. The city remains hopeful due to the team's young talent and emotional connection to Quebec's identity, but the dream of a deep playoff run hangs in the balance.
- ▪The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens 8-3 in Game 6, forcing a Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs.
- ▪Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, previously seen as a Conn Smythe candidate, was pulled after allowing six goals, marking his worst performance of the playoffs.
- ▪The Bell Centre was filled with playoff energy, with fans chanting early and former legend Larry Robinson appearing as the pre-game torchbearer.
- ▪Montreal’s young roster, including Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and Nick Suzuki, has sparked hopes of a new dynasty among fans.
- ▪This is the first time since 1993 that the Canadiens have had a realistic chance to reach the Stanley Cup Final, heightening emotional stakes in Quebec.
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Open this photo in gallery:Ivan Demidov of the Montréal Canadiens flies into the net as the Buffalo Sabres score during the second period in Game 6 at Montreal's Bell Centre on Saturday.Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountIt was a long winter in Montreal. The leaves only just popped this week, an explosion of green. The air is loud with patios being built. With the same organic suddenness, the city has been dappled red with Canadiens sweaters. Riders on the metro erupt spontaneously in chants of Go Habs Go. This is a hockey town in springtime, ready to erupt. On Saturday night, its team failed to light the fuse.
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