The Montreal Canadiens head to KeyBank Center on Saturday night looking to keep pace in a tight Atlantic race, but they run into a Buffalo team that has been one of the league’s most reliable home sides and is playing with real confidence right now. Buffalo has already beaten Montreal twice this month, and this is another high-leverage divisional spot where every point matters.
Montreal is coming off a statement win over Colorado and has been creating offense in waves, led by Nick Suzuki and a deeper supporting cast that is finishing chances. Buffalo counters with elite recent form, a hot crease, and a home identity that has turned KeyBank into a difficult out for opponents.
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NHL Odds
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TeamMoneylinePuck LineTotalMontreal Canadiens+112+1.5 (TBD)Over 6.5 (-121)Buffalo Sabres-133-1.5 (TBD)Under 6.5 (TBD)
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Jan 31, 2026 21:00 EST
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Jan 31, 2026 19:00 EST
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Jan 31, 2026 19:00 EST
Montreal Canadiens Betting Form
Montreal’s path to winning this game is straightforward: keep their attack humming at even strength and avoid handing Buffalo transition looks off live turnovers. When Montreal is playing fast through the middle of the ice, they can generate high-danger chances in bunches, especially when Suzuki’s line is dictating matchups and the second unit is creating pressure off the forecheck.
The risk for the Canadiens is that Buffalo has already shown it can punish Montreal’s mistakes in this head-to-head, and Buffalo’s confidence is high enough right now that giving them early power-play opportunities or odd-man looks can quickly flip the game script.
Montreal Canadiens team page
Montreal Canadiens injury report
Canadiens Injuries
PlayerStatusInjuryPatrik LaineOutLower BodyAlex NewhookOutAnkle
Buffalo Sabres Betting Form
Buffalo has been winning games with a strong home baseline: structured shifts, consistent puck pressure, and timely scoring that doesn’t require perfect play to produce results. When their top-end skill is supported by clean exits and smart puck placement, they force opponents to defend longer than they want, and that usually leads to either goals or power plays.
The Sabres’ biggest advantage in this matchup is that they have already proven they can beat Montreal multiple ways this month. If Buffalo plays from in front, they are especially tough to chase because they can sit on mistakes and counter with speed and finish.
Buffalo Sabres team page
Buffalo Sabres injury report
Sabres Injuries
PlayerStatusInjuryJacob BrysonOutUpper BodyJustin DanforthOutKneeJosh DunneOutMid-BodyJordan GreenwayQuestionableHerniaJiri KulichOutUpper BodyUkko-Pekka LuukkonenQuestionableLower BodyJosh NorrisOutUpper BodyConor TimminsOutLeg
Matchup Breakdown
This game comes down to whether Montreal can turn pace into sustained zone time without leaking odd-man rushes back the other way. Buffalo’s recent success has included punishing teams that get loose with puck management, and Montreal’s aggressive style can feed into that if the Canadiens get impatient.
At the other end, Buffalo has to handle Montreal’s shot volume and movement off the cycle. If the Sabres defend the slot cleanly and keep rebounds under control, they can force Montreal into lower-quality looks and win the game with fewer total chances. Special teams can also swing this quickly if either team takes undisciplined penalties in a divisional game that tends to run hot.
NHL Lines Before the Puck Drops
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Best Bet
Buffalo Sabres moneyline (-133). Buffalo has the more dependable home profile and has already demonstrated it can win this matchup within the month. Montreal’s ceiling is high, but Buffalo’s current form and head-to-head edge make them the safer side at this price.
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