Sabres vs Canadiens Prediction & Odds - 3/1/2025

The Montreal Canadiens bring their three-game winning streak to KeyBank Center as they face the Buffalo Sabres in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup on Saturday night.

Both teams have shown recent offensive firepower, with each squad netting 13 goals in their last three games, though their defensive struggles continue to be a concern as they allow more than three goals per game.

The Canadiens' dynamic duo of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who have combined for 46 goals and 67 assists this season, will look to exploit a Sabres defense that has surrendered seven goals in their last two outings.

Buffalo's offensive threats Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch (49 goals, 47 assists combined) aim to maintain their productive form against Montreal's struggling defensive unit.

While Montreal (28-26-5) has found momentum in their push for a wild card spot, Buffalo (24-28-5) seeks to climb out of the division basement with a strong performance on home ice.

The goaltending battle between Montreal's Samuel Montembeault (.899 save percentage) and Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (.894 save percentage) could prove decisive in what promises to be an entertaining hockey contest between these longtime rivals.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens preview

The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are set to face off at KeyBank Center in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup that could have playoff implications for both struggling teams.

The Canadiens enter the contest with momentum, riding a three-game winning streak and coming off an impressive 4-0 victory against the Hurricanes, which has helped them climb within striking distance of a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Montreal's offensive duo of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki has been electric this season, combining for 46 goals and 67 assists, while emerging defenseman Lane Hutson has been making waves with his contributions from the blue line.

The Sabres, currently sitting at the bottom of the division with a 24-28-5 record, have shown flashes of offensive prowess, led by the dynamic pairing of Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, who have accumulated 49 goals and 47 assists between them.

Both teams have struggled defensively this season, with Montreal allowing 3.34 goals per game and Buffalo slightly worse at 3.39, setting the stage for what could be a high-scoring affair.

The goaltending battle will feature Montreal's Samuel Montembeault (.899 save percentage) against Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (.894 save percentage), with both netminders looking to improve their numbers.

Recent offensive surges from both teams - each scoring 13 goals in their last three games - suggest fans could be in for an entertaining, goal-filled matchup.

While the Sabres will have home-ice advantage at KeyBank Center, the Canadiens' recent momentum and improved offensive chemistry make them slight favorites to extend their winning streak to four games.

Keep an eye on Montreal's Juraj Slafkovsky and Buffalo's JJ Peterka, as both young forwards have been making significant contributions to their respective teams' offensive output in recent games.