We have your Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Buffalo Sabres hit the road to face the Montreal Canadiens.
The Buffalo Sabres (24-27-4) are set to clash with the Montreal Canadiens (22-25-8) in an Eastern Conference showdown. As both teams look to improve their standings, this matchup at the Bell Centre promises to be a battle of will and skill on the ice.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Odds Info
Moneyline: Buffalo Sabres -130 (DraftKings) / Montreal Canadiens +112 (FanDuel)
Puck Line: +1.5 – Buffalo Sabres +180 (DraftKings) / Montreal Canadiens -215 (FanDuel)
Total: 6.5 – +102 (DraftKings) / -118 (FanDuel)
Game Info
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21
Time: 07:00 PM
Location: Bell Centre – Montreal, QC
TV: ESPN+
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
- On the road this season, the Buffalo Sabres have 12 wins and 14 losses.
- As the favorite this season, the Buffalo Sabres have 12 wins and 9 losses.
- This season, the Buffalo Sabres have hit 23 overs and 32 unders.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends
- At home this season, the Montreal Canadiens have 11 wins and 18 losses.
- As the underdog this season, the Montreal Canadiens have 18 wins and 32 losses.
- This season, the Montreal Canadiens have hit 29 overs and 26 unders.
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the course of the 2023-2024 NHL season, the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens have faced off three times, with the Canadiens emerging victorious in two of those encounters. Interestingly, the visiting team has clinched all three games, indicating a trend where home-ice advantage did not play a significant role. When it comes to betting statistics, Montreal has proven to be the better pick against the spread, covering it in two out of the three games, while Buffalo has only managed to do so once. The over/under betting results have leaned towards the under, with two games not reaching the total score line set by oddsmakers, and only one game going over. The Sabres and Canadiens have shown a competitive edge in these matchups, with the games being relatively close in score, except for the most recent game where Buffalo secured a more decisive victory.
The most recent game between the two teams on January 4, 2024, saw the Buffalo Sabres dominate the Montreal Canadiens with a final score of 6-1. The Sabres, who were the visitors and favorites with a closing moneyline of -150, exceeded expectations by not only winning the game but also covering the spread of 1.5. Tage Thompson led the charge with two goals, contributing to the team’s total of 18 points from 12 assists. The Sabres’ offensive strength was on full display as they outshot the Canadiens 38-33 and capitalized on their power play opportunities, scoring on 50% of their chances. The Canadiens, on the other hand, struggled to find the back of the net, with their only goal coming from Joel Armia. The game ultimately went over the closing over-under of 6.5, with a total score of 7, marking the only instance in the season series where the over was achieved.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Predictions
The Sabres, currently on a one-game losing streak, are aiming to find consistency in their performance. Despite their struggles, Buffalo has shown flashes of brilliance this season, thanks in part to the efforts of right winger JJ Peterka, who leads the team with 19 goals, and center Casey Mittelstadt, who tops the Sabres with 44 points. The team’s offensive capabilities, however, are often offset by their defensive challenges, as they rank in the lower tier of the league in goals against.
Montreal, on a two-game skid, is looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage to turn the tide. The Canadiens have seen strong contributions from their captain, Nick Suzuki, who has netted 20 goals and leads the team with 53 points. Defensively, the Canadiens have also had their struggles, but they’ll be leaning on players like defenseman Mike Matheson, who has been a key playmaker with 34 assists this season. The Canadiens’ power play and penalty kill percentages will be critical factors in this contest.
This game could very well be decided by the goaltenders, with both teams needing a strong performance between the pipes to secure a win. The Sabres’ offense will need to break through Montreal’s defense, while the Canadiens will look to their top line to provide the spark needed to outscore Buffalo. With both teams eager to climb the standings, expect an intense matchup with playoff implications on the line.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Pick
The Buffalo Sabres have demonstrated a capacity to bounce back after losses, and with the visiting team winning all three matchups this season, the trend favors the Sabres. Despite their inconsistency, Buffalo’s offensive firepower, led by JJ Peterka and Casey Mittelstadt, has the potential to exploit the Canadiens’ defensive vulnerabilities. The Sabres’ recent performance, including a decisive victory in their last meeting with the Canadiens, suggests they have the edge in head-to-head matchups. Furthermore, the Sabres’ ability to perform on the power play, scoring on 50% of their chances in the previous game, could be a deciding factor in a matchup where special teams play a crucial role. Considering the current odds and the Sabres’ favorable moneyline, the value lies with Buffalo. The Canadiens are on a losing streak and have struggled to maintain a strong defensive front at home. With the Sabres’ road record being relatively stronger than the Canadiens’ home record, and their top scorers showing up in crucial games, Buffalo is poised to take advantage of Montreal’s recent form. The historical trend of the visiting team securing wins in this season series further bolsters the case for a Sabres moneyline bet. While Montreal has playmakers like Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson, the Sabres’ recent head-to-head dominance and the high stakes of this game suggest that Buffalo will come out on top, making them the right pick for this encounter.
The Pick: Buffalo Sabres -130 (DraftKings)
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Picks
Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.
Buffalo Sabres
| Player Name | Prop | Line | Over Rate | Over Odds | Under Odds | Last 10 Average | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John-Jason Peterka | Shots On Goal | 2.5 | 8/10 | -160 | +124 | 3.8 | 3.95 |
| Dylan Cozens | Points | 0.5 | 7/10 | -130 | +100 | 1.1 | 1.20 |
Montreal Canadiens
| Player Name | Prop | Line | Over Rate | Over Odds | Under Odds | Last 10 Average | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juraj Slafkovsky | Points | 0.5 | 9/10 | -130 | +100 | 1.3 | 1.20 |
| Joel Armia | Shots On Goal | 1.5 | 10/10 | -175 | +135 | 2.8 | 2.83 |
| Nick Suzuki | Points | 0.5 | 10/10 | -245 | +185 | 1.6 | 1.20 |
| Cole Caufield | Shots On Goal | 3.5 | 8/10 | -160 | +124 | 4.5 | 4.59 |
| Nick Suzuki | Assists | 0.5 | 8/10 | -130 | +100 | 0.8 | 0.83 |
| Cole Caufield | Points | 0.5 | 8/10 | -220 | +170 | 1.1 | 1.14 |
| Cole Caufield | Assists | 0.5 | 7/10 | +110 | -140 | 0.7 | 0.80 |
| Nick Suzuki | Power Play Points | 0.5 | 7/10 | +154 | -200 | 0.8 | 0.81 |
