The Montreal Canadiens (30-17-7) are in Buffalo tonight to face the red-hot Sabres (31-17-5) for the 3rd time in the last 3 weeks. After losing the previous two meetings against the Sabres, the Habs will be hoping to turn the tables and get a big win in another 4-point game against their divisional rivals. The Sabres have won 20 of their last 24 games and have been wreaking havoc on the league. Meanwhile, the Habs enter tonight’s game on a 2-game winning streak after beating the league’s top team, the Colorado Avalanche, 7-3 on Saturday. The winner of tonight’s game will move into the sole position of the 3rd spot in the uber-competitive Atlantic Division.
The Habs projected lineup vs the Sabres tonight:
Caufield – Suzuki – Texier
Slafkovsky – Kapanen – Demidov
Bolduc – Evans – Dach
Anderson – Danault – Gallagher
Matheson – Dobson
Hutson – Guhle
Xhekaj – Carrier
Dobes
Thoughts? 🤔
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 31, 2026
Both teams are entering tonight’s matchup on a high, but given how dominant the Sabres have been, they surely have the advantage heading into the game. The one positive for the Habs is that in a post-game interview after last Thursday’s matchup against the Sabres, Phillip Danault said that the Canadiens made an adjustment (one that he couldn’t reveal due to tonight’s game) that allowed them to turn the tide after going down 3-0 early in the 2nd period. They were able to make it close but couldn’t tie the game as a result. Could this adjustment be something that they carry into tonight?
Canadiens announce Jakub Dobes to start tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) January 31, 2026
The starting netminder for the Habs tonight will be Jakub Dobes, who will be making his third straight start after winning his last two starts with strong performances. In addition to his strong play in both games this week, the fact that Samuel Montembeault had dropped the ball in both games this month against the Sabres, prompting Dobes’ insertion for a change, should also be an adjustment that should greatly benefit the Canadiens. Dobes has won all 5 of his starts since the New Year and has clearly been the best option for the Canadiens ever since.
Alex Lyon will be given the start for the Sabres in goal tonight. Lyon is currently on a 10-game winning streak dating back to December 9th, where he’s posted a remarkable . 932 save percentage in that span. The Canadiens will be looking to play spoils on his hot streak by hopefully figuring out his weaknesses early, like they did with Scott Wedgewood of the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Lyon hasn’t played against the Canadiens since October 20th, when they got the best of him in a 4-2 victory earlier in the regular season. Are the Canadiens the team to put an end to Lyon’s success?
Of note — #Sabres goalie Alex Lyon can extend his consecutive wins streak to 11 with his next start.
Also: the NHL goalies with 11 consecutive wins. pic.twitter.com/rDDTkDcLii
— Rachel Lenzi 💁🏻♀️😎💥 (@rachelmlenzi) January 31, 2026
With both goaltenders on the top of their games, betting the under 6.5 goals in tonight’s game is looking like a very good wager. Considering the last two matchups between these two teams, it’s no surprise that the Habs are set as +110 road underdogs for tonight’s game. Nonetheless, the Canadiens have the potential to play spoilers to Lyon’s streak thanks to their confidence from their victory against the Avalanche on Thursday and the success that Dobes has also had recently.
1/31 🏒
Nick Suzuki Assist -128 (FD)
Nick Suzuki 2+ PTS +220 (FD)
Montreal take on Buffalo tonight
Suzuki has played the Sabres 3 times this season and has recorded 6 pts in those games (2G 4A)
In each of those games he got atleast 1 assist and 2+ pts 🫡#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/eaONsNTjO6
— jose (@JPeezy808) January 31, 2026
Habs captain Nick Suzuki is looking to stay hot against the Sabres, as he has scored 3 goals and 10 points in his last 4 games against their divisional rival. He has also scored 4 goals and 14 points in his last 10 matchups overall. The line for him to have 2+ points tonight is listed at +175.
Tonight will be a battle between two hot goaltenders that are hoping to continue bringing success to their team. Which goaltender do you see coming out victorious tonight?