Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Predictions

Buffalo's early numbers challenge the favorite

Montreal is the likely winner at home, but the SPF moneyline asks bettors to lay -155 against a Buffalo team with the stronger early expected-goal share. Habs Eyes on the Prize, a Canadiens-focused hockey publication, reported Buffalo at 57.7% through six games and Montreal at 51.7% through five.

Buffalo also finished a five-game homestand with a win over Florida on Oct. 12 before traveling to Montreal. That quick turnaround favors the Canadiens, but it doesn't erase Buffalo's early edge in controlling scoring chances.

Lineup questions weaken the price

Fubo News listed Montreal goaltender Samuel Montembeault among five Canadiens ruled out, with Florian Xhekaj day-to-day. Habs Eyes on the Prize also reported that Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was unlikely to make the trip after being injured on Oct. 12. Neither starting goalie was confirmed.

Both clubs had allowed goals at a high rate: 22 in six games for Buffalo and 19 in five for Montreal. Those numbers make the total of 6.5 worth noting, but the unsettled goaltending leaves too much uncertainty to bet either side of it.

Betting outlook

The SPF board lists Buffalo at +130, Montreal at -155, Montreal -1.5 on the puck line, and a 6.5 total priced at -105 to the over and -115 to the under. Montreal can win without covering its moneyline price often enough to justify a wager, so the betting lean is Pass.