- Matchup: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Odds: Canadiens (+102) Sabres (-122)
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The Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10) travel to KeyBank Center on Thursday to face the Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9) in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with the series level at 2-2. Current betting lines place Montreal at +102 and Buffalo at -122, with an over/under set at 5.5.
The Canadiens are keen to address some shortcomings after their narrow 3-2 loss to the Sabres in Game 4. In that matchup, Montreal incurred 10 penalty minutes and struggled offensively, managing only 1 goal out of 7 power-play opportunities while converting 2 out of 30 shots on goal.
On the offensive front, the Canadiens have netted a total of 279 goals this season, ranking them 7th in the NHL, while allowing 251 goals against. For the season, they’ve compiled 106 points with a points percentage of .646, capitalizing on 56 goals from 242 power play attempts for a rate of 23.14%. At even strength, they’ve scored 223 goals and conceded 197. With a total of 2,156 shots taken, their shooting percentage stands at 12.9%. Defensively, the Canadiens have faced 2,283 shots, achieving a save percentage of .890, while their opponents have gained 248 power play chances, converting 54 goals (8th in the league).
In goal for the Canadiens will be Jakub Dobes. Throughout his NHL career, Dobes has conceded 157 goals with an average of 2.75 goals against per game. He has played 59 career games, holding a save percentage of .904 over 953 minutes in net. With a record of 36-14-7, Dobes has recorded 35 quality starts, yielding a quality start percentage of .614 out of the 57 games in which he was named the starter. He has faced 1,627 shots, saving 1,470 of them.
The Sabres emerged victorious in Game 4 with a close 3-goal outing from 22 shots. They capitalized on 2 out of 4 power play opportunities in that match.
Buffalo has attempted 2,307 shots this season (13th in the league) with a shooting percentage of 12.27%, while their opponents have fired 2,381 shots against them. The Sabres’ penalty kill has been effective at an 81.90% rate against 232 power play chances, with a current save percentage of 89.9%. They’ve registered 246 power play opportunities, converting on 19.51%. Overall, the Sabres have achieved 283 goals, earning 109 points and a points percentage of .665 for the season.
In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be defending the net for Buffalo. He has allowed 538 goals, averaging 2.91 goals per game. Luukkonen’s quality start rate stands at 55.1%, with a total of 102 quality starts from 185 games played, totaling 8,299 minutes. His career record is 93-74-18, facing 5,368 shots against him and amassing 4,830 saves, which translates to a save percentage of .900.
Who will clinch victory in tonight’s NHL showdown against the spread or moneyline?
Pick: Choose Montreal (+102)
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