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![\"Montr\u00e9al](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/666022.webp\" "\\"Montr\u00e9al")
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Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The NHL has once again changed the schedule of a game in the series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres.<\/p>\n
The potential Game 7 has been moved to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 18 at KeyBank Center.<\/p>\n
And this is exactly the kind of change that is starting to frustrate fans on both sides.<\/p>\n
“Schedule update: the potential Game 7 between the Canadiens and the Sabres is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on May 18.”<\/p>\n
The game would be broadcast on ESPN in the United States.<\/p>\n
In Canada, on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.<\/p>\n
NHL playoff scheduling changes continue frustrating Canadiens and Sabres fans<\/p>\n
That now makes three different start times for this second-round series.<\/p>\n
Most of the games have been played at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
And now, the potential Game 7 would be played at 7:30 p.m. Monday night.<\/p>\n
This is exactly the kind of scheduling that shows the NHL is struggling to manage its playoff calendar.<\/p>\n
The schedule change is once again probably tied to television broadcasts.<\/p>\n
The NHL has to juggle ESPN in the United States along with Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports in Canada.<\/p>\n
Several series are taking place at the same time.<\/p>\n
So the league has to find compromises that are not always popular, but it is starting to become irritating.<\/p>\n
It is still rare to see this many schedule changes within the same second-round series.<\/p>\n
There is no consistency in terms of routine.<\/p>\n
Obviously, the Canadiens would probably prefer to avoid a Game 7 altogether.<\/p>\n
The Canadiens head into Game 5 tonight with the series tied 2-2.<\/p>\n
A win tonight at KeyBank Center would put the team just one victory away from the Eastern Conference Final.<\/p>\n
But if the series does indeed go the distance, fans will have to adjust to a third different start time.<\/p>\n
For Martin St-Louis and his players, it is also a detail that has to be incorporated into their preparation.<\/p>\n
Playing at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. represents a slightly different routine.<\/p>\n
The rhythm of pre-game preparations has to be adjusted.<\/p>\n
But the main objective remains winning tonight to avoid having to get there.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
23 MINUTES AGO|12 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
NHL announces time change for potential Sabres-Canadiens Game 7 in Buffalo<\/p>\n
Do you think the NHL should be more organized in how it manages its playoff game schedules?<\/p>\n
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