NHL Player News

Dobes allowed six goals on 33 shots in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Dobes gave up a goal 32 seconds into the game, but the Canadiens quickly responded to earn a 3-1 lead. The 24-year-old netminder didn't get any additional help, but he needed it -- the Sabres scored seven straight to close out the contest. Dobes was pulled after Jack Quinn's tally midway through the third period, allowing Jacob Fowler to make his playoff debut. Dobes is down to 7-6 with a 2.59 GAA and a .906 save percentage over 13 outings this postseason. Despite this shaky performance, he's likely to get the nod in Game 7 in Buffalo on Monday, as he's yet to lose consecutive games during this playoff run.

Metsa scored a goal in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Metsa made his playoff debut Saturday, replacing Luke Schenn in the lineup. Metsa had six points, 24 shots on net, 31 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating over 43 regular-season appearances in his first taste of NHL action this year. It's a statement that the 27-year-old was trusted over both of the Sabres' big defensive trade acquisitions in an elimination game, Logan Stanley being the other, and it suggests Metsa will remain in the lineup for Monday's Game 7.

Helenius scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Helenius has tallied in each of the last two games, making himself a quick regular in the Sabres' bottom six. The 20-year-old's goal Saturday put the Sabres ahead 5-3 in a game they once trailed 3-1. Helenius has added seven shots on net, three blocked shots, two hits and a plus-2 rating over three playoff outings. Given his role, the offense isn't likely to last, but it's a good sign he's showing he can handle a high-pressure situation.

Zucker scored a power-play goal on two shots and added an assist in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Zucker earned his first multi-point effort since April 8 versus the Rangers. The winger has had a quiet postseason, though that could be changing, as he's earned three of his four points over the last two contests. He's added 18 shots on net, 17 hits and a minus-3 rating through 12 playoff outings.

Benson scored a goal on six shots, dished an assist, added 10 PIM, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Benson has earned three goals and three assists over six games in the second round. He's also been right in the mix when things get nasty in the playoffs -- he's earned five misconduct penalties this postseason. The 21-year-old winger is up to five goals, four assists, 24 shots on net, 16 hits, 62 PIM and a plus-7 rating over 12 playoff contests while often playing in a top-six role.

Quinn scored twice on three shots and added an assist in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

All three of Quinn's points came on the power play. The 24-year-old had gone 13 games without a goal prior to Saturday. Getting Quinn's offense going is a good sign for the Sabres' depth heading into Game 7 on Monday. He's produced seven points, 23 shots on net, 15 hits and a minus-1 rating over 12 playoff outings while primarily filling a middle-six role.

Thompson scored an empty-net goal on six shots, added three assists, logged three hits and went plus-3 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Thompson earned two of his three helpers with the man advantage. He's logged three multi-point efforts over his last four contests. Overall, the 28-year-old is up to five goals, 10 assists, 41 shots on net, 20 hits, 22 PIM and a plus-1 rating across 12 playoff outings while seeing consistent top-six minutes.

Dahlin scored a goal on three shots, distributed four assists, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Dahlin's tally opened the scoring 32 seconds into the game. Three of his four helpers came on the power play as the Sabres' offense erupted in the final two periods. Dahlin has three multi-point efforts over 12 playoff contests. This was the third instance of a Buffalo skater recording a five-point game in the playoffs -- John Tucker did it April 10, 1988, versus the Bruins, and Derek Roy matched that record May 5, 2006, against the Senators. Dahlin has three goals, 10 helpers, 41 shots on net, 20 PIM, 14 hits, 13 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating this postseason.

Luukkonen stopped all 18 shots he faced in relief of Alex Lyon in an 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6 on Saturday.

Luukkonen was brought in midway through the first period with the Sabres facing a 3-1 deficit. He did his job, turning into a brick wall while the Sabres' offense broke through in a big way at the other end of the rink. Luukkonen is now 2-1 with seven goals allowed on 72 shots over three appearances in the second round. It's likely he gets the nod in Game 7 on Monday with the season on the line for both teams and an Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Hurricanes going to the winner.

Lyon allowed three goals on four shots in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

The Sabres fell behind 3-1 midway through the first period, and Lyon got the hook due to his struggles. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen saved all 18 shots he faced in relief, and the Sabres' offense erupted to get the win, which forced a Game 7 to be played Monday in Buffalo. Lyon has turned shaky in the second round, winning just one of his five appearances against the Canadiens while allowing a total of 15 goals on 98 shots. It's likely to be Luukkonen in goal for the win-or-go-home game Monday.