The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens meet in Game 3 of the NHL Playoffs tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Canadiens are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6 (-118o / -102u). The Canadiens are a -125 favorite to win outright, while the Sabres are +105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Sabres vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks.
Sabres vs. Canadiens Odds, Pick
| Sabres Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -240 | 6 -118o / -102u | +105 |
| Canadiens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +195 | 6 -118o / -102u | -125 |
- Sabres vs. Canadiens Spread: Canadiens -1.5 (+195 ), Sabres +1.5 (-240)
- Sabres vs. Canadiens Over/Under: 6 (-118o / -102u)
- Sabres vs. Canadiens Moneyline: Sabres +105, Canadiens -125
Sabres vs Canadiens Kalshi Odds
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Sabres vs. Canadiens Preview
Buffalo Sabres
There have been six total goals scored in each of the first two games of this series, a trend likely to continue in Game 3. Goaltender Alex Lyon is once again slated to start for the Sabres, and he has struggled against the Canadiens.
Over the past six meetings, Lyon is 2-4 with a .870 save percentage and a 3.53 goals-against average. It does not help that the Sabres allow a high rate of high-danger scoring chances.
This season, Buffalo finished 21st in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). However, its offensive play has been much stronger.
Montreal Canadiens
The Sabres finished the regular season in the top half of the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). While that is an impressive mark, Montreal ranked even higher, finishing ninth in the same category.
Due to their ability to generate high-danger scoring chances, the Canadiens ranked seventh in goals scored per game. However, like Buffalo, Montreal’s defensive play has lagged.
The Canadiens finished in the bottom half of the league in both xGA/60 and goals allowed per game.
Taking penalties has also been an issue for both teams, as each ranked 26th or lower in penalty minutes per game.
Sabres vs. Canadiens Prediction
Goaltender Jakub Dobes is likely the biggest obstacle to the over cashing in Game 3. However, Buffalo’s offense is capable of contributing.
Among the 16 playoff teams, the Sabres rank fourth this postseason in xGF/60. Combined with their defensive struggles, it is not surprising that there have been six or more total goals in 10 of Buffalo’s past 14 games.
Pick: Over 5.5 (-125 | Play to -130)
