| MATCHUP | Montreal Canadiens | Buffalo Sabres |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 30-17-7 | 31-17-5 |
| Spread | +1.5 -218 | -1.5 180 |
| Moneyline | +110 | -130 |
| Total | Over 6.5 (-122) | Under 6.5 (102) |
| Where | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY | |
| When | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | NHL Net | |
In this article we will formulate a Canadiens vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 31st at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 30-17-7 this year after they defeated Colorado by a score of 7-3 in their last game. Montreal had their lead cut to 5-3 in the third period, but they scored the last two goals to pull away with the win. The Canadiens were out shot by a total of 29-28, won 54.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Dach, Evans, Slafkovsky, Suzuki (2), Carrier, and Dobson, while Dobes stopped 26 out of 29 shots, which was an .897 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Montreal defeated the Golden Knights by a score of 3-2, but lost to the Bruins by a score of 4-3 before that. The Canadiens have split their last four games and they are currently fourth in the Atlantic standings with 67 points. Montreal has scored 3.43 goals per game and they have allowed 3.26 goals against per game, while also going 23.6% on the power play and 77.1% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with 18 goals and 44 assists, while Lane Hutson has added nine goals and 46 assists. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Sam Montembeault, who is 9-8-2 with a 3.46 goals against average and an .868 save percentage this year.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 31-17-5 this season after they defeated Los Angeles by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Buffalo had their lead cut to 3-1 in the second period, but they scored the only goal in the third to seal the win. The Sabres were out shot by a total of 38-32, won 62.5% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Tuch (3) and Samuelsson, while Lyon stopped 37 out of 38 shots, which was a .974 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Buffalo defeated the Maple Leafs by a score of 7-4 and the Islanders by a score of 5-0. The Sabres have won five games in a row and they are currently third in the Atlantic standings with 67 points. Buffalo has scored 3.40 goals per game and they have allowed 3.02 goals against per game, while also going 19.5% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 28 goals and 27 assists, while Alex Tuch has added 22 goals and 24 assists. The projected starting goalie for Buffalo is Alex Lyon, who is 13-6-3 with a 2.62 goals against average and a .914 save percentage this season.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won 15 of their last 16 night games following a win.
- The Canadiens have lost five of their last six road games following a win.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last six games.
- The Canadiens have lost the third period in five of their last six road games when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Sabres’ last four night games against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of the Canadiens’ last seven games as underdogs following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Ten of the last 13 night games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 18 of the Canadiens’ last 19 night games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Sabres’ last 10 games.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Tage Thompson has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Sabres’ last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Alex Tuch has scored at least one goal in four of the Sabres’ last five home games.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Mike Matheson has recorded an assist in each of the Canadiens’ last six games.
Canadiens vs Sabres Prediction
Buffalo comes into this matchup on a five game winning streak and they have been the hottest team in the NHL over the last few months. The Sabres are 17-6-3 at home this year, while the Canadiens are 14-6-6 on the road. Montreal has won two in a row and they are coming off of two great wins over Colorado and Vegas. Both teams are playing at a high level right now, but I can’t go against Buffalo in their current form. Take the Sabres to get another win here.