NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Surging Sabres will try to throttle high-scoring Canadiens
The Buffalo Sabres look to extend their win streak when they visit the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM ET and you can check full matchup lines on the NHL odds page Buffalo rebounded from an 0-3 start with back-to-back wins over Ottawa and Florida. Their power play has come alive, ranking among the NHL’s top six. Josh Doan scored twice on the man advantage against the Panthers while Alex Lyon has steadied the net with a .929 save percentage.
Montreal comes in 4-2 after a 4-3 loss to the Rangers. The Canadiens still rank top five in goals scored but remain middle of the pack defensively. Expect another up-tempo game between two teams that like to push the pace.
Dominate the Sportsbook with Proven Picks
All Sports, One Winning Strategy
Line Movement and Odds
The Canadiens opened around -150 on the moneyline, with Buffalo listed near +127 and the total at six goals. The line has tightened slightly toward Buffalo, signaling some sharp support on the underdog.
Buffalo is 2-1 against the puck line in its last three games. Montreal has covered in two of its past three as well. Early betting splits lean to Buffalo on the spread and Montreal on the moneyline.
Matchup Breakdown
The Sabres’ recent surge has come from disciplined play and better puck movement on special teams. Lindy Ruff’s club has converted on five of its last seven power-play chances. Lyon’s confidence and improved zone coverage have helped them climb out of their early slump.
For Montreal, Cole Caufield remains the offensive driver with five goals, and captain Nick Suzuki leads the team with eight points. The Canadiens’ challenge has been maintaining focus in third periods, where they’ve allowed six of their last 10 goals.
This matchup may come down to Buffalo’s man-advantage rhythm versus Montreal’s penalty kill. Bettors should note that both teams are trending toward lower-scoring results lately, making the total worth a look.
Injuries and Conditions
Buffalo Sabres
- Justin Danforth (RW) – Out (Lower Body)
- Jordan Greenway (LW) – Out (Mid-Body)
- Michael Kesselring (D) – Out (Undisclosed)
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G) – Out (Lower Body)
- Carson Meyer (RW) – Out (Knee)
- Josh Norris (C) – Out (Upper Body)
View the full Buffalo Sabres injury report for updates.
Montreal Canadiens
- Kaiden Guhle (D) – Out (Lower Body)
- Kirby Dach (C) – Questionable (Lower Body)
- Patrik Laine (RW) – Questionable (Lower Body)
- David Reinbacher (D) – Out (Hand)
- William Trudeau (D) – Out (Undisclosed)
See the Montreal Canadiens injury report for real-time status updates. - Indoor venue, no weather impact expected.
Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season
Bet Smarter, Across Every League
Best Bets and Prediction
The Canadiens are small home favorites, but Buffalo’s recent form makes the +1.5 puck line appealing. Montreal’s defense has been shaky late in games, and Lyon’s steady goaltending could keep this one close.
Projected score: Montreal 4, Buffalo 2.
Best Bet: Sabres +1.5.
Secondary Lean: Under 6.0.
You can find expert analysis and power ratings on the Free NHL Picks page and compare strategies inside the Bettors Handbook
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Track winning records and profit trends on the Handicapper Leaderboard. For premium selections, explore the top Service Plays
Stay tuned to ScoresAndStats NHL for updated previews, odds movement, and betting insights throughout the season.
