NHL
This is a rematch with recent familiarity, and the first meeting leaned into the kind of open, chance-heavy game that can reward the team with the steadier structure. Montréal has scored 21 goals in 7 games and has already shown the ability to produce in different ways, including power-play creation and rush chances. Buffalo has been slightly more productive on offense overall, but it has also allowed more goals per game and has had to rely on comeback hockey more often. The Sabres come in with a dangerous forward group led by Tage Thompson and a blue line that can contribute offense, but their special teams remain the concern. Montréal’s recent results show a team that can trade chances and still keep its composure in high-event stretches. With the game in Montréal again, the Canadiens have the more attractive setup for a regulation win if they can limit Buffalo’s transition game and avoid giving away repeated special-teams looks.
Montréal is the sharper side for a regulation win, and the projected result is a 4-3 Canadiens victory. The Canadiens have the better special-teams edge, a stronger faceoff profile, and a slight goaltending advantage by season numbers, while Buffalo’s attack has been good enough to keep the game tight. That points to a close, high-event contest with Montréal most likely to finish it at home without needing overtime.
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