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 . Be sure to check 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: Canadiens 0-1 Sabres
How to Watch: US TV: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max. Canada TV: CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
It’s Game 2 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres in this latest edition NHL predictions. Buffalo is trying to grab a two games to none series lead while Montreal is looking to get a split heading back to the Bell Centre. The Sabres were ready to go in the series-opener with Zach Benson notching a pair of assists.
There was some worry that Buffalo would be a bit rusty after having a few days off. However, the Sabres came out strong and put four past Habs goalie Jakub Dobes in a 4-2 victory at KeyBank Center.
Montreal had just endured a tough seven-game series again the Tampa Bay Lightning. There was hope the Canadiens would carry that momentum into the first game. However, it looked the young group had an emotional letdown after a brutal series.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines for Game 2 in this latest edition of NHL predictions.
The Canadiens Story
Montreal was coming off a seven-game war against Tampa Bay in round one. The Habs managed to win the clinching game with only nine shots. However, a win is still a win. However, no one expected the Sabres to come out flying and got off to a 4-1 lead before a Kirby Dach goal made it 4-2.
Dobes is the expected starter for Montreal but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. We could see head coach Martin St Louis turn to Jacob Fowler if Dobes continues to struggle in the second game.
Nick Suzuki leads the team in assists (5) and points (7) so far for Montreal. However, Cole Caufield has yet to get off the blocks so far this postseason. The 50-goal scorer only has tallied once so far in the playoffs, and the Canadiens will need him to get rolling.
(Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire)
The Sabres Story
Buffalo looked refreshed and ready to go after its six-game series victory over the Boston Bruins. The Sabres came out were physical and seemingly pushed around the younger Habs roster. Buffalo’s power play also got going with a pair of goals in Game 1.
Alex Lyon will likely get the start again after taking over the crease in the third game of the Boston series. Lyon has 1.30 goals-against-average and a .950 save percentage. The veteran goalie has won four of his five starts this postseason.
Tage Thompson leads the team in points with seven while Alex Tuch has four goals for the club. However, Benson and others have been contributing to Buffalo’s success so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Prediction
Montreal will come out with a better effort in Game 2. The Habs were likely tired and the Sabres took advantage of that. Game 2 should be a better indication of where things stand between the two clubs. However, Buffalo should get the victory in this one.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.
Best Bets
We finish out 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 over in this game.
As far as individual props, go with Juraj Slafkovsky to score for Montreal. On the Buffalo side of things, take Rasmus Dahlin to get an assist in this game.
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.
