Montreal Canadiens (22-25-8) vs Buffalo Sabres (24-27-4)
Game Info: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Bell Centre)
Betting Odds: Montreal Canadiens +109 / Buffalo Sabres -135 --- Over/Under: 6.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens face off on Wednesday in an NHL showdown at the Centre Bell. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Sabres vs Canadiens prediction.
One Bad Period Hurts Sabres
The Sabres in the last game faced off against the Anaheim Ducks and it was a bad second period that let them down. The Sabres gave up three goals and that led to the defeat. The Sabres are averaging 2.93 goals while their defense is giving up 3.07 goals per game. The offense is ranked 21st in the league while the defense is ranked 14th. Casey Mittelstadt is having a strong season so far this season scoring 13 goals and adding 31 assists. The Sabres need the defense to be good here.
Canadiens Have Lost Two Games in a Row
The Canadiens have lost two games in a row and they can’t have a lot of confidence heading into this game. Two games ago against the New York Rangers they were defeated 7-4 and in the last game against the Washington Capitals, they were defeated 4-3. Joel Armia had a strong game, putting up two assists. The Canadiens are averaging 2.78 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.5 goals per game. The offense is ranked 27th, and they are going to need the offense to be good here. The Canadiens will meet the Penguins, Devils, and Coyotes after this one.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Nick Suzuki has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens' last five home games.
- Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens' last 10 games.
- Mike Matheson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens' last seven games as underdogs.
- Nick Suzuki ranks 1st in the league for shootout goals (4) this season.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Jeff Skinner has scored at least one goal in eight of the Sabres' last nine games as favorites against the Canadiens.
- Jeff Skinner has recorded at least one point in nine of the Sabres' last 10 games as favorites against the Canadiens.
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one assist in six of the Sabres' last seven games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Rasmus Dahlin ranks 1st in the Atlantic Division for average time on ice (25:24) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 31st in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (73.96%).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 28th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.53).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 27th in the league in power play percentage this season (14.56%).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 32nd in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (1.20).
Sabres vs Canadiens Betting Prediction
The Sabres are going to find success here. The defense for the Sabres is ranked 14th, and the Canadiens offense hasn’t been that good. The Canadiens are giving up 3.53 goals per game, and the Sabres are going to get out to a fast start here. The Canadiens aren’t going to be keeping up here and that will be the difference as Buffalo gets the job done. Back the Sabres on the money line.
Shane’s Pick Sabres ML
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
