- Matchup: Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
- Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
- Broadcast: TSN2
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This Thursday, the Buffalo Sabres (27-17-5) will visit the Bell Centre for a showdown against the Montreal Canadiens (28-15-7) in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a strong 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators, showcasing a formidable offensive display. During this match, they capitalized on 5 out of their 32 shot attempts and failed to score on a single power play opportunity. The Sabres spent 6 minutes in the penalty box during this contest.
On the defensive end, the Sabres have faced 134 power play chances this season (ranking 24th in the league), conceding 23 goals during those opportunities. They have endured 1,452 shots against, resulting in a save percentage of .895. Buffalo has taken 1,361 shots with an impressive shooting percentage of 11.8%. While playing at even strength, the Sabres have allowed 130 goals while netting 132. So far, Buffalo has capitalized on 28 out of 145 power play chances, which gives them a power play conversion rate of 19.31%. Overall, with 59 points, their points percentage stands at .602, having scored 160 goals (ranking 11th in the NHL) while allowing 153.
In goal for the Sabres will be Alex Lyon. Over his career, Lyon has faced 360 goals, maintaining an average of 3.00 goals against per game. He has appeared in 135 games and currently holds a save percentage of .903 across 6,039 minutes of play. Lyon’s overall record stands at 62-44-14, with 120 starts and 65 quality starts, resulting in a quality start percentage of .542. He has faced 3,698 shots, making 3,338 saves.
On the other side of the ice, the Montreal Canadiens recently edged past the Minnesota Wild with a 4-3 victory, despite not scoring on any of their 3 power play opportunities. The Canadiens managed to score 4 goals from their 33 shots on target.
This season, the Canadiens have netted 170 goals and gathered 63 points, achieving a points percentage of .630. They have allowed a total of 163 goals, with 126 being scored at even strength and 37 while shorthanded. Montreal has tallied 136 even-strength goals and 34 power play goals (ranking 9th in the league on the power play). With 145 power play opportunities, Montreal boasts a conversion rate of 23.45%. They have attempted 1,305 shots (25th in the league) with a shooting percentage of 13.03%, while allowing 1,358 shots. Their penalty kill rate is at 77.44%, having faced 164 opposition power plays, and their overall save percentage is at 88.0%.
In goal for Montreal will be Sam Montembeault. Opponents are averaging 3.31 goals per game against him, and altogether he has conceded 681 goals. Montembeault carries a quality start percentage of 51.9%, with 107 quality starts throughout his career. He has started in 206 games, logging 10,964 minutes, and holds a record of 89-90-30 over 226 appearances, amassing 5,915 saves on 6,596 shots faced, resulting in a save percentage of .897.
Who will triumph tonight in this exciting NHL matchup, against the spread or on the moneyline?
Pick: Go with Buffalo
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