David Duprey / AP

Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson captain is presented the Prince of Wales Trophy by NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly after the Senators captain scored in overtime to beat Buffalo 3-2 on Saturday and send the Eastern Conference champions into the Stanley Cup finals.

“It feels great. I’m so happy for the guys,” coach Bryan Murray said. “After the way we started the year, to do what they’ve done to get to this level. It’s a very special group of people right now.”

It was a special win for Murray. After becoming only the fifth coach to win 600 games earlier this season, Murray will coach in the Cup finals for the first time.

Jochen Hecht also scored for Buffalo and Briere had two assists.

Buffalo lost Game 7 of the East finals to eventual champion Carolina last year. This defeat was more disappointing considering the team returned mostly intact, proudly announced its Stanley Cup objective in September, and further raised expectations after leading the NHL with 53 wins and 308 goals.

The Sabres also face an uncertain summer with Briere and co-captain Chris Drury eligible to become unrestricted free agents.

Notes: Drury required 11 stitches after being struck on the chin by teammate Tim Connolly’s point shot midway through the third period. Drury didn’t return until 2 minutes into overtime. ... Sabres RW Dainius Zubrus didn’t play because of a lower body injury, which limited him to 4 minutes in Game 4. Drew Stafford replaced Zubrus, returning after being a healthy scratch for 6 games. ... Senators RW Patrick Eaves returned after missing 11 games with a head injury.

More news

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Heading to the Cup finals

Adam Henrique scored off a wild scramble in front early in OT and the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 to advance to their first Stanley Cup finals since '03. The new Eastern champs will face LA next.

NBC Sports

Highlights: OT goal delivers Devils to Cup finals

  Check out highlights as the New Jersey Devils advanced to the Stanley Cup finals by defeating the New York Rangers, 3-2, in overtime.

Headlines

• Label

PHT: Rangers' gas tank hits empty | Rally falls short

NHL.com: Torts praises Rangers after season ends

PHT: Will Devils or Kings win Stanley Cup finals?

PHT: Burning questions coming out of Devils' win

PHT Extra: Kings will face toughest foe yet

Gagne back at practice, enjoying Kings' success

PHT: Kings making Lombardi look like a genius

PHT: History doesn't bode well for Kings in finals