Welcome back to NHL Predictions, and it is a second-round Stanley Cup Playoff, potential elimination game edition. 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. The only game for this Saturday night is the Buffalo Sabres visiting the Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Canadiens vs Sabres
Series: Canadiens lead three games to two over the Sabres.
How to Watch: Sportsnet, ESPN, CBC, TVA Sports
Time: 7:30 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) – 9 p.m. Newfoundland Time
Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire
The power play seemed to come alive for the Canadiens in Game 5. That might spell trouble for the Sabres, who need to somehow win the remaining two games if they wish to knock off the Habs. The other potentially concerning thing for the Sabres, was the awakening of Ivan Demidov. He scored his first career NHL playoff goal, and it took him 17 games to do it. Is the proverbial monkey off his back (in the postseason)? We should add he did have a very productive season from a secondary scoring role. So, there’s no reason to think he can’t get it going, now that he has started.
In case you can’t tell, the general sentiment seems to be that Montreal has taken the balance of power in the series. A convincing 6-3 victory from Game 5 has done well to give them that perceived control. But for Sabre fans, we will mention that as the theory goes, momentum doesn’t carry from game to game in the playoffs. Thus, it should be a reset and play a solid road game for Game 6.
It has been a bit of a back and forth series, but Montreal does hold a convincing goal differential. They have outscored Buffalo 21 to 13, so it is just another sign they seem to have a leg up.
The Canadiens Story
Well not to hype up Hab fans anymore, but we can’t talk about the Montreal Canadiens playing on Saturday night without talking about their own version of Mr. Saturday Night. Cole Caufield is even heating up overall with goals in the last three games versus Buffalo. However, when it comes to Saturday night games, Caufield has repeatedly shown to be a different breed of scoring machine. Throughout this season, that includes playoffs to this point, in 23 games, Caufield has scored an incredible 21 goals. The Sabres will need to find a way to stop him.
We must also mention the remarkable run Newfoundlander Alex Newhook has found himself on. Overall in his playoff career, he has eight goals in 44 games played. But as a 25-year-old, maybe having that much playoff experience is starting to show in his all-around game. If we go back to Game 7 versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, Newhook has scored six times over those six games. He has elevated his game when it has mattered most. What can you say, other than the true definition of the ultimate playoff performer.
The Sabres Story
Our NHL Predictions thinks that the Sabres need someone to step up. They are a very talented team, no doubt, but you need your best players to outplay your opposition’s best players often-times in the playoffs. With the Canadien stars like Nick Suzuki or Lane Hutson, that can be difficult to do. However, if someone doesn’t do it, it will be curtains for Buffalo.
For Buffalo, we are going to lean on Alex Tuch. He has been shutout in five games against the Canadiens, thus far. This is guy who netted 33 goals this year, and 36 the year before. Buffalo relies on him to fill the basket with biscuits. Yet, nothing. Now, we will say he has been trying his best to be productive in other ways. He was down for four hits in Game 5, and six in Game 3, but Buffalo needs goals. Otherwise, Montreal’s notable offensive depth will be too much for them.
The one player we will shoutout is rookie Konsta Helenius. He only got in the last two games for Buffalo, but did score a big goal, at the time, in Game 5. Maybe he can spark some secondary scoring for the Sabres, with their season on the line.
The Goalies
We think the goaltending matchup could either be equal or it could tip to the Canadiens favour. Jakub Dobes has done everything to prove he is a big contributing factor to why the Canadiens are this far. His .914 save percentage in the postseason thus far, more than proves that fact. In Buffalo’s goal, we expect to see Alex Lyon. However, we do like to remind people to check the very latest from social media, before locking in your rosters. Lyon sports an equally impressive .917 save percentage, but he only has four wins to Dobes’ seven.
We will note, that Dobes continued his winning ways in Game 5, following a loss. He has now improved to 5-0 this postseason following a loss. Very nice.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets
It won’t be easy with Montreal playing as well as they are, and on a Saturday night. Buffalo will come out physical with their playoff lives on the line, and it should give them the edge.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-2
Best Bets
If you want to parlay your game result money line with a couple of anytime goal scorers, you might find yourself the life of the party. Take Zach Benson to find twine for Buffalo. And we can’t go against Caufield’s Saturday scoring prowess. So, take him.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
HE'S MR. SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A REASON!!! 😤 #StanleyCup
Watch Cole Caufield and the @CanadiensMTL host the @BuffaloSabres in Game 6 TONIGHT at 8p ET on ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASports! pic.twitter.com/ZPBq7wIPm8
— NHL (@NHL) May 16, 2026
