Canadiens +115 at Sabres Tonight – Game 2 Preview
Current betting odds list Buffalo as a slight home favorite for Game 2, with the total set at 5.5 goals.
The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres return to the ice for Game 2 of their second-round playoff series, with Buffalo holding a 1-0 advantage after winning the opener at home. The matchup has drawn attention because both teams feature young, high-powered offenses that are capable of turning games into fast-paced shootouts.
Game 1 lived up to that expectation, as the teams combined for more than five goals once again. The Canadiens and Sabres have now produced at least six total goals in each of their recent meetings dating back to the regular season. Montreal generated plenty of offensive pressure in the opener, while Buffalo capitalized on scoring chances and special-teams opportunities to secure the victory.
One of the key storylines entering Game 2 is whether Montreal can respond after a strong effort that still ended in defeat. The Canadiens showed resilience throughout their first-round win over Tampa Bay, where they survived several close games and overtime battles. That playoff experience has many analysts believing Montreal remains a dangerous underdog despite trailing in the series.
The goaltending matchup will also be important. Jakub Dobes has been steady for Montreal during the postseason, while Buffalo has leaned on Alex Lyon after he took over during the Bruins series and helped stabilize the Sabres defensively. Some analysts believe Game 1’s scoring pace may slow down in Game 2, especially if both teams tighten up defensively and receive stronger goaltending performances.
Sports Illustrated’s betting analysis highlighted player props as well, including confidence in offensive contributors like Juraj Slafkovsky and Rasmus Dahlin continuing to create scoring chances. Dahlin, in particular, has been extremely active offensively throughout the playoffs and remains a major factor on Buffalo’s blue line.
Canadiens vs. Sabres Best Bet
The Canadiens put up a good fight against the Sabres in Game 1, all things considered. They were on the road and only had two days off after surviving Game 7 in Tampa Bay on Sunday evening.
Montreal outshot the Sabres 28-16 in all situations, including 18-11 at 5-on-5. Each team registered 20 scoring chances at 5-on-5 as well.
The Sabres aren’t infallible at home, as we saw with the Bruins winning two games in Buffalo.
I’ll take the Habs as a road underdog in a series that should go at least six games.
Pick: Canadiens +114
