BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The NHL second-round playoff series between Buffalo and Montreal comes down to Game 7 on Monday night in Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff had hoped for a venue change, but his request was denied. "It didn't get switched," Ruff said Sunday, referring to the team's 2-4 home record this postseason. "We're looking forward to giving our fans our best game."
Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis turned to physics in explaining his team's approach after an 8-3 loss in Game 6 at home. "I just feel bounce back, you come back to where you were. Bounce forward, you're actually further than where you were."
Hurricanes Await Winner
One team will advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes, who are well-rested after sweeping both their series and haven't played since a May 9 overtime win over Philadelphia. The Eastern Conference finals begin Thursday night.
The series has been unpredictable. The road team has won every game so far, there have been 20 first-period goals among 45 total, and both teams have shuffled goaltenders mid-game.
Saturday's outcome captured the series' chaos: Montreal jumped to a 3-1 lead by the 10:14 mark of the first period, then gave up seven straight goals. In Game 5, Buffalo led 3-2 before losing 6-3 at home.
Ruff is so focused on making Game 7 feel like a road game that he's considered having the Sabres stay in a Buffalo hotel Sunday night. "I don't know the answer. I can try to make one up," Ruff said of his team's 5-1 road record.
The Canadiens are drawing on their first-round experience against Tampa Bay. After a 1-0 home loss in Game 6, they won Game 7 on the road.
"It's disappointing to have this effort on home ice. We can't let that be our last game," captain Nick Suzuki said of Montreal's 2-4 home record. "We've been in this situation already, so we have experience."
Relative Playoff Newcomens
Montreal and Buffalo are the two youngest teams remaining. The Sabres are in the postseason for the first time in 15 years, while the Canadiens are making their fourth appearance in nine years.
Montreal has the Game 7 experience edge after beating Tampa Bay. Buffalo's roster features just eight players who have appeared in a Game 7.
They include forward Alex Tuch, who went 2-1 in seventh games during his four years with Vegas. "I'm going to try to give some of my wisdom, but at the same time, I don't want to talk too much about my past experiences," Tuch said. "I've said it a hundred times, you got to go out there and just play hockey. I think we're the better team."
Overall, Buffalo is 1-6 in Game 7, with their only series victory coming in 1997 against Ottawa. Montreal is 16-9 in Game 7s, tied with Boston for the NHL lead.