Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (May 8)
Calendar icon Published 07 May 10:59

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (May 8)

Juan Pablo Aravena Juan Pablo Aravena
Moneyline PickMontreal Canadiens
Player PropCole Caufield over 0.5 goals
Same Game ParlayOver 4.5 goals + Nick Suzuki over 0.5 points + Zach Benson over 0.5 points
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Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Main Match Info

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Moneyline Prediction

The Sabres fed off the energy at KeyBank Center to secure a win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Canadiens on Wednesday. Despite being outshot 28-16, outhit 31-27, and dominated in the faceoff duels (19-for-51), they held on to take the series lead. However, the result could easily have gone the other way.

All things considered, Montreal did enough to deserve a better outcome. To bounce back in Game 2, they’ll need to be more efficient in front of goal since they’re averaging only 2.25 goals per game in the playoffs.

Montreal will likely hope for a better performance from Jakub Dobes, though it’s difficult to criticise him given his 2.28 GAA and .910 save percentage through eight playoff starts.

The Sabres are expected to counter with Alex Lyon, who seems to have won the No. 1 role over Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in this postseason run. Lyon has been outstanding with a 1.30 GAA with a .950 save percentage, and the team will need him to be as good as he was in Game 1 if they’re to have a shot at winning.

Ultimately, though, the Canadiens could use some positive regression in the scoring column, as they scored the sixth-most goals in the regular season.

Meanwhile, the Sabres’ goaltending is unlikely to be as elite as it’s been over the past few games. With a slight regression toward the mean expected, the Canadiens should be able to even the series before the action shifts to Montreal.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Player Prop

One player who absolutely needs to step up for the Canadiens is Cole Caufield. The star forward ranked second in the NHL in regular-season goals with 51, but he’s been a shell of his former self in the playoffs with just one goal in eight outings.

Caufield’s biggest issue has been his inability to test opposing goaltenders, as he’s taken just 14 shots on goal in those eight contests, averaging 1.75 per game.

With the Canadiens needing a bounce-back performance, the star forward should get more involved on offence. He’s a good bet to find the back of the net, although a prop on over 2.5 shots could also deliver strong value.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Same Game Parlay

Game 1 produced six goals, and although we’re putting a lower bar this time, it would be a surprise if this meeting stays under 4.5 goals.

The Sabres have averaged 3.43 goals per contest in the playoffs, the fifth-best mark in the NHL, while the Canadiens look due for a stronger offensive showing. Their 2.25 goals per game in the playoffs is the lowest among the remaining eight postseason teams.

We’re pairing that outlook with two elite playmakers finding a way to get involved here.

There’s Nick Suzuki, who scored a goal in the series opener and currently leads the Canadiens in points with seven (two goals, five assists) through eight playoff appearances.

On the other side, Zach Benson is a strong candidate to contribute for the Sabres. The left winger delivered two assists in Game 1 and now has five points (two goals, three helpers) with a plus-4 rating this postseason. He’s benefited from the attention drawn by players such as Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, who have seven points each.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Team News

Buffalo Sabres Team News

The Sabres will wait to see whether Rasmus Dahlin will be available for Game 2. The defenceman didn’t finish Wednesday’s contest after a blocked shot forced him to exit the game prematurely. He’s still expected to be available moving forward. Sam Carrick (arm) is listed as day-to-day, while Justin Danforth (kneecap), Jiri Kulich (ear), and Noah Ostlund (lower body) are out.

Montreal Canadiens Team News

The Canadiens are close to full strength, with no changes to their injury list compared to the series opener. The lone absence is forward Patrik Laine (abdomen), who’s expected to be available later in the postseason if the team advance to the Eastern Conference Finals in mid-May.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens: Where to Watch (Canada)

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