Canadiens vs Sabres: Best Player Props for Game 1
Prediction: Jakub Dobes Stands Tall Against Onslaught of Shots from Sabres
It’s an Atlantic Division showdown at the KeyBank Center as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Buffalo Sabres to begin their Round 2 series on Wednesday, May 6. My top Canadiens vs. Sabres predictions and NHL picks call for Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes to continue his sterling postseason run in Game 1.
Canadiens vs Sabres Game 1 Prediction:
Canadiens vs Sabres Best Bet: Jakub Dobes Over 26.5 saves (-110)
Montreal Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes has been outstanding with a .916 save percentage and 30.35 goals saved above expected across 26 games since Marco Marciano took over as interim goalie coach on January 28. With the Habs ranking 23rd with a 48.6 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five in the regular season and 14th out of 16 teams in Round 1, Dobes figures to be busy in the series opener.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres finished Round 1 with a 53.3 CF% at 5-on-5 while averaging the third-most shots per 60 minutes (30.9) in their six-game series against the Boston Bruins. Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account.
Same Game Parlay:
Over 5.5 Alex Newhook; Over 0.5 points Ivan Demidov; Over 0.5 points
The Sabres averaged 3.33 goals per game in Round 1, and there have been six or more goals in each of the past eight games between Montreal and Buffalo, with the total at 6.5 for seven of the eight. Additionally, the Canadiens generated the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 (1.99) in the opening round, so an uptick in scoring chances from the Habs is anticipated after posting a middling 2.69 xGF/60 at 5-on-5 during the regular season. I’m also particularly looking to the new-look second line of Jake Evans, centering Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, as candidates to break out. Demidov is an elite offensive talent, while Newhook has ample postseason experience and an excellent motor and compete level to create space and time for the trio.
Game Info:
Canadiens vs Sabres Odds for Game 1
Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: TNT, CBC
Moneyline: Canadiens +105 | Sabres -125
Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 (-240) | Sabres -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Trend:
There have been six or more goals in each of the past eight games between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Sabres.
