GAME NIGHT: Canadiens FAITH in Jakob Dobes pays off. Marner WOWS in close out win over the Ducks

The Montreal Canadiens rally behind rookie goalie Jakob Dobes to surge past the Buffalo Sabres in a chaotic Game 5. Can Martin St. Louis’ bold decision to stick with his rookie goalie power the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final? The pivotal second-period heroics from Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky’s top line shift the series momentum, while the Sabres wrestle with underperforming stars Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson. Vegas Golden Knights cruise past the Anaheim Ducks, led by Mitch Marner’s stunning playoff resurgence and Brett Howden’s scoring spree. Discussion centers on John Tortorella’s coaching impact and Carter Hart’s stellar goaltending, with Anaheim’s impressive season and Pat Verbeek’s roster moves spotlighted as a foundation for the future. The Western Conference Final is set—Vegas vs. Colorado Avalanche—with powerhouse talent clashing for the Stanley Cup berth. Will Marner’s Vegas transformation continue against McKinnon’s Avalanche?