- Matchup: Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
- Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Sabres (+114) Canadiens (-135)
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The Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9) are set to clash with the Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10) at the Bell Centre on Tuesday for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, currently trailing the series 2-1. The betting line has the Sabres listed at +114 while the Canadiens are at -135, with the over/under set at 6.5.
In their previous matchup, the Sabres suffered a significant 6-2 loss to the Canadiens in Game 3. Buffalo found themselves in the penalty box for 42 minutes during that game, hindering their offensive efforts. Despite having four power-play chances, they managed to score just once, converting 2 out of 28 shots on goal.
When competing at even strength, the Sabres have allowed 198 goals while scoring 235. Opponents have had 232 power play attempts against them (ranking 19th in the league), resulting in 42 power-play goals. The Sabres are ranked 5th in the NHL with a total of 283 goals scored this season, while conceding 240 goals. Buffalo has taken 2,307 shots, with a shooting percentage of 12.3%. They currently hold 109 points, reflecting a .665 points percentage. Defensively, Buffalo has faced 2,381 shots, with a save percentage of .899. Furthermore, they’ve capitalized on 48 goals from 246 power play opportunities, achieving a success rate of 19.51%.
The goaltender for this matchup will be Alex Lyon. Throughout his professional hockey career, Lyon has faced 395 goals against him and holds a goals-against average of 2.95. With 149 games under his belt, Lyon has accrued a save percentage of .903 over 6,072 minutes of play. He boasts a record of 71-48-15 and has made 134 starts, achieving 74 quality starts and a percentage of .552 for quality starts. Lyon has faced 4,065 shots and made 3,670 saves.
Montreal showcased dominance in Game 3, successfully executing 6 power play attempts, converting 2 of those opportunities, and striking for 6 goals out of 36 shots on target.
This season, the Montreal Canadiens have accumulated 279 goals, totaling 106 points, and hold a points percentage of .646. They have allowed 251 goals, including 197 goals at even strength and 54 while shorthanded. Montreal has netted 223 goals while at even strength and ranks 7th in the NHL with 56 power-play goals on 242 power play opportunities, resulting in a power play percentage of 23.14%. In total, they have taken 2,156 shots (24th in the league), achieving a shooting percentage of 12.94%, while allowing adversaries 2,283 shots. Their penalty kill rate stands at 78.23% against 248 opposition power play attempts, with a save percentage of 89.0%.
In goal for the Canadiens will be Jakub Dobes. He averages 2.75 goals allowed per game, with a total of 157 goals surrendered. With a quality start percentage of 61.4%, Dobes has achieved 35 quality starts during his career. He has started in 57 games, with a playtime of 953 minutes. His record stands at 36-14-7 from 59 games played, having made 1,470 saves from 1,627 shots faced, resulting in a save percentage of .904.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NHL face-off against the spread or moneyline?
Prediction: Play Buffalo (+114)
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