{"id":482484,"date":"2026-01-22T07:16:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=482484"},"modified":"2026-01-22T07:16:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:16:09","slug":"nhl-predictions-jan-22-buffalo-sabres-vs-montreal-canadiens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/22\/nhl-predictions-jan-22-buffalo-sabres-vs-montreal-canadiens\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Jan 22 Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em> 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 Buffalo Sabres taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don\u2019t forget to check out more <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h2>Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Canadiens<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>MSG Buffalo; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV: <\/strong>TSN2; RDS<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/31912\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">We open up<\/a> NHL predictions with our featured game between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/17\/nhl-predictions-jan-17-minnesota-wild-vs-buffalo-sabres\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/montreal-canadiens-forward-lower-body-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. Buffalo is expected to give <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lyonal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Lyon<\/a> the start in goal. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Sabres are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games entering this matchup. Buffalo is in the mix for one of the wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompta01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tage Thompson<\/a> leads the team in goals (26), assists (25), and points (51) so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Sam <span>Montembeault is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are also 6-3-1 in their previous 10 games. However, Montreal has won its last two games entering this divisional game. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/suzukni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Suzuki<\/a> leads the Habs in assists (40) and points (55) so far this season. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> is using his Team USA Olympic snub as fuel with 25 goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Both teams are playing well entering this matchup. However, the home team has won both games so far this season.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"0sgbsGhnTbNXlxKcsb6BLA\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2241535950\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'0sgbsGhnTbNXlxKcsb6BLA',sig:'OknDItMLYzAnE7PBh6Ni33Xp2Q4o_qFvds02ZdgCOFg=',w:'594px',h:'403px',items:'2241535950',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Vegas Golden Knights vs Boston Bruins<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Bruins<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span> NESN; Scripps Vegas<\/span>; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV: <\/strong>Sportsnet<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions has <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cassibr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bruce Cassidy<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/14\/nhl-predictions-jan-14-vegas-golden-knights-vs-los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> visiting the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/nhl-predictions-jan-20-boston-bruins-vs-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\"> Boston Bruins.<\/a> <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/schmiak01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Akira Schmid<\/a> is the probable starter for the Golden Knights, who are 7-2-1 in the previous 10 games. However, Vegas had its seven-game losing streak snapped by the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/21\/nhl-predictions-flyers-mammoth\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> is first on the club in assists (40) and points (57) so far this season.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> is the expected starter for the Bruins, who are 8-2 in their previous 10 games. However, Boston also had its own six-game winning run snapped by the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/17\/nhl-rumours-update-on-future-of-dallas-stars-rfa-forward\/\" target=\"_self\"> Dallas Stars<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a> is heading into the Olympics leading the team in assists (40) and points (60).<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are playing well. However, Boston gets the victory at home.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"TqLkhxLFRgd5LbVyCUUrzg\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2185738003\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'TqLkhxLFRgd5LbVyCUUrzg',sig:'ffhPgAsKYBg2RgOqajTEYds1MQOl4J_NGo0_xhXUw4w=',w:'594px',h:'393px',items:'2185738003',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Florida Panthers vs Winnipeg Jets<\/h2>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Panthers 1-1 Jets<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span> Scripps Florida<\/span>; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV: <\/strong>TSN3<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time: <\/strong>8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/19\/florida-panthers-lineup-gets-massive-boost\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers<\/a> meeting with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/19\/nhl-predictions-january-19-chicago-blackhawks-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a> for the first time this season. Florida is likely to give <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> the start in between the pipes for this game. The Panthers are 4-5-1 but did get <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> back in their last game. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> has 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> is the projected starter for the Jets, who are 5-3-2 in their previous 10 games. Winnipeg is starting to look like its old self again but needs to start picking up points in a hurry. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/scheima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Scheifele<\/a> leads the team in goals (25), assists (36), and points (61) for the Jets so far.<\/p>\n<p>Winnipeg has been a better team as of late. However, it&#8217;s desperation team for Florida.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Sabres versus the Canadiens is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tuchal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Tuch<\/a> to get a goal for Buffalo. On the Montreal side of things, go with <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/slafkju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-21_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juraj Slafkovsky<\/a> to get a power-play point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last 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 Buffalo Sabres taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":482053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4547,7,4548,4524],"tags":[6081,6254,6255,6016,6019,6110],"class_list":["post-482484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sabres","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-boston-bruins-predictions","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions","tag-winnipeg-jets-predictions"],"modified_by":"Colton Osmond, Dept Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482484"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":482507,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482484\/revisions\/482507"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/482053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}