There was a subdued atmosphere in Buffalo's locker room after the team finished playing for the season.
"It's a shot that decides the whole season," says Dahlin.
The team made the playoffs for the first time in fifteen years, secured the division title and forced a seventh game against Montreal.
But Dahlin had a hard time appreciating the effort when he faced the press, appearing listless and resigned.
"Not today. I'll appreciate it more tomorrow."
Decided again
After the first period, Montreal had a 2–0 lead. But Buffalo managed to cut the deficit in the second period and Rasmus Dahlin scored the equalizer just over six minutes into the third after a pass from teammates Ryan McLeod and Owen Power.
After more than eleven minutes of overtime, Montreal's Alex Newhook scored the decisive 3–2 goal, which means that the team has secured a place in the Stanley Cup semifinals. Newhook also scored the decisive goal in the seventh game against Tampa Bay in the round of 16 - but this time in regulation time.
"I was maybe a little more relieved now that it went to overtime and you don't have to defend the lead. But it's definitely a fantastic feeling either way," says the match hero.
Carolina is waiting
Captain Nick Suzuki notes that the goal was very emotional, but emphasizes the need to rest now and regroup for the next task - Carolina, who have defeated Philadelphia in four straight games.
"It's been a long journey - clearly, from when we finished last in the league (2022–2023) to where we are now," says Suzuki.
