What channel is Sabres vs. Canadiens on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch Game 7 of NHL Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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When it rains, it pours for Buffalo and when facing elimination in Game 6, they poured on the goals. The Sabres won in dominant fashion, taking an 8-3 victory on the road in Montreal.
This series has been back and forth the whole way, with no team leading by two or more games at any point. With Game 7 approaching, all the momentum has swung toward the Sabres. Their eight goals in Game 6 mark the most for the team since March 8, where they beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 8-7.
For the Canadiens, the key to a Game 7 win is on the offensive end. In their three wins this series, they average 5.67 goals, over three more than the average score in their losses. The Canadiens scored three in the first period of Game 6, but could not maintain that output as the game went on. They will need to keep up that offensive firepower throughout all three periods should they hope to move on.
For the Sabres, they must find stability in goal. Alex Lyon earned the start in Game 6, but struggled mightily, allowing three goals on four shots. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen provided that stability, as he blocked all 18 shots that came his way. The Sabres will look for a similar performance out of Luukkonen in Game 7.
Here’s what you need to know about Monday’s matchup between the Sabres and Canadiens, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Sabres vs. Canadiens on today?
Game 7 in the Sabres vs. Canadiens series will air on ESPN. Fans can stream the game live on DIRECTV or fubo, which offer a free trial to new users, or via the ESPN app.
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Sabres vs. Canadiens start time
- Date: Monday, May 18
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 7 of the NHL Playoffs series between Sabres and Canadiens is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
These two foes last met in the playoffs in 1998, with the Sabres sweeping that series 4-0. The last time that the Canadiens were able to topple the playoff Sabres was 1993, where the Canadiens won their most recent Stanley Cup. Now, the two head to a winner-take-all Game 7 with both of their seasons on the line.
Sabres vs. Canadiens series schedule
Series tied 3-3
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | Game 1: Sabres 4, Canadiens 2 | — | — |
| May 8 | Game 2: Canadiens 5, Sabres 1 | — | — |
| May 10 | Game 3: Canadiens 6, Sabres 2 | — | — |
| May 12 | Game 4: Sabres 3, Canadiens 2 | — | — |
| May 14 | Game 5: Canadiens 6, Sabres 3 | — | — |
| May 16 | Game 6: Sabres 8, Canadiens 3 | — | — |
| May 18 | Game 7 at Buffalo | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app |
NHL Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |