Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (May 6)
Calendar icon Published 05 May 12:15

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (May 6)

Juan Pablo Aravena Juan Pablo Aravena
Moneyline PickBuffalo Sabres
Player PropTage Thompson over 0.5 assists
Same Game ParlayOver 4.5 goals + Tage Thompson over 0.5 points + Nick Suzuki 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 needed six games to get past the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, giving them a slight edge in rest compared to the Canadiens.

Montreal needed seven encounters and several overtimes to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Several trends point toward an advantage for the Sabres. The most notable is rest, as fresh legs are key this late in the season.

Buffalo have had five days to prepare for this contest, while Montreal have had only three since their series ended.

The Sabres should have a slight edge in the goaltending department as well. Alex Lyon has gone 3-1 with a 1.14 GAA and .955 save percentage in his four playoff outings. He’s widely expected to remain the team’s No. 1 option between the pipes, while the Canadiens will likely counter with Jakub Dobes. Dobes started every game versus Tampa Bay, going 4-3 with a solid 2.03 GAA and .923 save percentage.

Lastly, the Sabres will benefit from home ice. The atmosphere at KeyBank Center has been electric, as this marks the franchise’s first playoff appearance this decade.

All the signs point toward Buffalo coming out on top on Wednesday, especially against a tired Montreal squad.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Player Prop

One player who needs to stay hot for the Sabres is Tage Thompson. The 28-year-old playmaker anchors both the first line and the first power-play unit, making him central to Buffalo’s offensive structure.

Thompson recorded 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) in 81 contests in the regular season, and he’s maintained that scoring pace in the playoffs with seven points in six appearances.

The Sabres will need him at his best against a strong Montreal defence that allowed just 2.14 goals per game in the first-round series against Tampa Bay.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Same Game Parlay

Tired legs could become an issue as the playoffs progress, so don’t be surprised if this clash hits the over on the goals market. Five of Montreal’s games, and four of Buffalo’s, have hit that mark in the postseason.

We’re backing a high-scoring script with two star players leaving their mark in the scoring column.

Thompson has averaged nearly a point per game in both the regular season and the playoffs, and he should be one of the biggest threats to Montreal’s defence.

The same can be said about star playmaker Nick Suzuki, who was one of the best forwards in the regular season and reached the 100-point mark. He has maintained that impressive pace in the playoffs and registered six points (one goal, five helpers) in seven games.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Team News

Buffalo Sabres Team News

The Sabres will be a bit depleted up front, as they’ll be without four offensive players not only for this opener, but for the remainder of the series as well. The list includes Sam Carrick (arm), Justin Danforth (kneecap), Jiri Kulich (ear), and Noah Ostlund (lower body).

Don’t expect the Sabres to make too many changes to their lineup. They should rely heavily on their first line to dismantle the Canadiens’ defensive unit, led by the trio of Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Peyton Krebs.

Montreal Canadiens Team News

The Canadiens will be close to full strength. The lone injury concern is Patrik Laine, who continues to work his way back from an abdominal injury.

He remains on injured reserve, and his status will likely be clarified closer to Wednesday’s puck drop.

The rest of the skaters and goaltenders are healthy, meaning the Habs will be able to deploy their best players after a gruelling seven-game series against Tampa Bay. Don’t expect major adjustments after their strong first-round showing.

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

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