Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Montreal Canadiens hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Be sure tocheck out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
Series: Sabres 1-2 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN; ESPN+. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We have Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens featuring in our NHL predictions. After dropping the opener, the Habs have seized control of the series with two consecutive wins. Montreal is on the edge of taking an almost insurmountable three games to one series lead with a victory.
The Habs have been doing everything right since the Game 1 loss in Western New York. Alex Newhook has emerged in this round, and Jakub Dobes has silenced the doubters that questioned him after the first game of the series.
Buffalo and coach Lindy Ruff are now looking for answers after taking advantage of a tired Montreal team. Alex Lyon has been under siege the last two games and injuries are taking a toll on the Atlantic Division champions. The Sabres are in now in desperate need of a victory in this crucial Game 4.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into Game 4 of this second round series in our NHL predictions.
The Sabres Story
Tage Thompson finally got on the board, but that wasn’t enough in the 6-2 blowout loss the Canadiens. The goals have dried up since the Game 1 explosion. Buffalo will have to find itself scoring form again if it has any designs on tying this series.
Lyon is the projected starter as of press time. However, we could see Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen get the call for the first time since the Game 2 loss to the Boston Bruins. Always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter.
Despite the perceived struggles, Thompson leads the club in assists (6) and points (9) so far during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch leads the club in goals with four.
(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)
The Canadiens Story
Montreal looked gassed in Game 1 after a hard-fought seven-game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Some thought the young Canadiens were exhausted and there were some questions they had to answer. However, the Habs emphatically answered those questions and then some in Games 2 and 3.
Dobes looks like he’s settled down after struggling in the opening game of the series. The young netminder seems to have solidified his place in the blue paint by only giving up three goals in the last two games.
Captain Nick Suzuki leads the way in points with nine and assists with six. Newhook has burst onto the scene with five goals so far in this postseason run.
Prediction
There’s little doubt that Buffalo is going to come out with some fire in its belly. The key is for Montreal to weather the storm early and settle in. We’ve seen the Habs do a good job of dealing with adversity during this postseason run. It’s now Buffalo’s turn to see if it can step up.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Sabres versus Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, go with Rasmus Dahlin to get at least an assist for Buffalo. On the Montreal side of things, take Cole Caufield to score another goal.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
