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 visiting the Buffalo Sabres in a winner-take-all Game 7. Be sure tocheck out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres
Series: Sabres 3-3 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: ESPN; ESPN+. Canada TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVA Sports.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
This edition of NHL predictions features two of the most important words in all of sports… Game 7. The Montreal Canadiens take on the Buffalo Sabres in a do-or-die game in Western New York. Whoever wins this game will take on a well-rested Carolina Hurricanes team in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Road teams have dominated the series with the home team only winning twice in six games. Montreal is also hoping to show its mettle once again after a loss. The Habs are 5-0 after a loss, including three victories after losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning last series.
Buffalo has struggled at home in the playoffs with only two wins at KeyBank Center during its long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Sabres have also shown plenty of spirit fighting back to force this deciding game.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines in this Game 7 edition of our NHL predictions.
The Canadiens Story
Montreal had a chance to close out Buffalo at home and things started off well. The Canadiens grabbed a 3-1 lead after Rasmus Dahlin started the scoring. However, Montreal couldn’t keep things on the rails and Buffalo scored the last seven goals of the game to complete the 8-3 scoreline.
Jakub Dobes has struggled at times but has also showed plenty of heart in bouncing back after bad starts. Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis has faith in Dobes, and the young goalie did win a Game 7 in a hostile environment before.
Defenceman Lane Hutson leads Montreal with 11 assists and 13 points to lead in those categories. Alex Newhook is the surprise leader in goalscoring for Montreal this postseason with six.
The Sabres Story
Buffalo was down 3-1 in the first period, and it looked like its dream season was headed for a nightmare end. However, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff made a timely switch from Alex Lyon to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and it was the right move. The Sabres also reeled off four power-play goals to get eight goals.
Luukkonen stopped all 18 shots in relief, and it looks like he’ll get the call for this Game 7. The Finn stabilized things in Game 6 and Ruff will reward him with the start in this one game to decide the season.
Tage Thompson leads the way in goals (5), assists (10), and points (15) so far this season. However, Konsta Helenius has been a revelation since being inserted into the lineup. The youngster has two goals so far and looks like a veteran already.
Prediction
These Game 7s are tough to gauge. However, Montreal have been the kings of bouncing back this postseason. They’ve gotten five wins after losing in the playoffs. Plus, Buffalo has a notorious history of tragic letdowns in its sporting history. The Buffalo Bills in the NFL and the Sabres have seen plenty of heartbreak in their sporting history. That sporting history will carry Montreal to the win in Game 7.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
Best Bets
We close out this Game 7 edition of NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Canadiens versus the Sabres is 5.5, and we like the 0ver in this game.
As for individual props, take Cole Caufield to score for Montreal. On the Buffalo side of things, go with Alex Tuch to get at least a point.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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