Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Picks & Odds | 31 Jan 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Canadiens vs Sabres

The Montreal Canadiens go up against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Saturday, January 31.

It’s time to side with the Sabres to secure a victory over the Canadiens. They should have the upper hand and the -132 for our Moneyline prediction looks a great price.

Montreal Canadiens have won their previous two games. The latest was a 7-3 home triumph at Bell Centre against Colorado Avalanche. Nick Suzuki racked up 3 points, including 2 goals and 1 assist.

Buffalo Sabres last game was a 4-1 home win. This victory over Los Angeles Kings at KeyBank Center was their fifth successive victory. Alex Tuch scored a hat trick and Mattias Samuelsson managed one of the four goals. Goalie Alex Lyon produced a great performance and had 37 saves (.974).

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Sabres have claimed back-to-back victories over the Habs. At KeyBank Center they won 5-3 before winning 4-2 at Bell Centre. The past 10 clashes between these teams have seen six Habs wins.

Starting Goalies

Jakub Dobes (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	26-8-4	2.7	.903	0

Alex Lyon (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	20-9-4	2.7	.909	3
23/24	21-18-4	3.05	.904	2

5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.6 goals from 28.1 shots on goal, with a 21.1% powerplay efficiency. The Habs have given up 3.6 goals from 27.0 shots, averaging 4.3 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 76.7%.

Nick Suzuki is the top points scorer with 14 points, 4 goals and 10 assists, with Cole Caufield racking up 12 points, 9 goals and 3 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 2.96 goal against average with a .887 save percentage.

The Sabres have 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.3 goals from 24.1 shots on goal, with a 16.7% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.6 goals from 29.7 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.5%.

The top points scorer is Rasmus Dahlin with 14 points, 7 goals and 7 assists, while Tage Thompson is next best after registering 14 points, 6 goals and 8 assists. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have a 3.10 GAA with a .897 SV%.

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Approach Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres fully prepared with our expert match prediction, likely score outcome, standout player prop picks and a hand-picked bet builder.

Game Prediction

We're predicting that there will be a home win in this NHL encounter. You can currently get -132 about this happening which looks like great odds.

Our team of expert NHL handicappers track current injuries closely. Combined with recent form, this helps us identify the best value odds. A data-led approach backed by key stats and the latest team news keeps our hockey analysis sharp.

Key Canadiens vs Sabres stats:

• Sabres have won 5 consecutive games.
• Sabres have won 8 of their last 10 games at home.
• Sabres have won 16 of their last 20 games.
• Canadiens have lost 3 of their last 5 games on the road.
• Sabres have won the last 2 games between these teams.

Sabres Moneyline Probability

According to the top betting sites, there’s a 56.8% chance of our pick landing a return. However, our cappers have this figure between 60-65% based on their in-depth research. This is why we can recommend this hockey wager.

There’s often a case for placing a same game parlay which includes a Moneyline selection among others. A Bet Builder is a popular way of getting more juice from your wager.

Before placing your next bet, explore our trusted bonus guide featuring top free bets and generous sign-up offers.

Our Game Prediction

Sabres Moneyline @ -132 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Jan 30, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Cole Caufield Over 2.5 Shots -185

Cole Caufield (Canadiens) has covered the 2.5 shots on goal total in 8 of the past 10 games. We’re anticipating that he is able to perform well and cover the line, with odds of -185 currently available.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Canadiens 3 - 5 Sabres

There are odds of +1900 available that the Sabres land a 5-3 win. We like the correct score option as there’s a nice reward if you can accurately predict the outcome.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Canadiens

Sabres

1-0

Canadiens

+7000

Sabres

+6600

2-0

Canadiens

+6600

Sabres

+6000

2-1

Canadiens

+1900

Sabres

+1800

3-0

Canadiens

+4500

Sabres

+4000

3-1

Canadiens

+2400

Sabres

+2200

3-2

Canadiens

+950

Sabres

+900

4-0

Canadiens

+5500

Sabres

+4500

4-1

Canadiens

+2000

Sabres

+1700

4-2

Canadiens

+1700

Sabres

+1500

4-3

Canadiens

+950

Sabres

+900

5-0

Canadiens

+9000

Sabres

+7500

5-1

Canadiens

+3300

Sabres

+2500

5-2

Canadiens

+1900

Sabres

+1500

5-3

Canadiens

+2200

Sabres

+1900

5-4

Canadiens

+1600

Sabres

+1500

6-0

Canadiens

+14000

Sabres

+10000

6-1

Canadiens

+7000

Sabres

+5500

6-2

Canadiens

+3500

Sabres

+2800

6-3

Canadiens

+2800

Sabres

+2400

6-4

Canadiens

+4000

Sabres

+3500

6-5

Canadiens

+3500

Sabres

+3400

7-0

Canadiens

+3500

Sabres

+14000

7-1

Canadiens

+12000

Sabres

+9000

7-2

Canadiens

+9000

Sabres

+6600

7-3

Canadiens

+5500

Sabres

+4500

7-4

Canadiens

+5500

Sabres

+4500

7-5

Canadiens

+8000

Sabres

+7500

7-6

Canadiens

+9000

Sabres

+8000

8-1

Canadiens

+9000

Sabres

+13000

8-2

Canadiens

+14000

Sabres

+11000

8-3

Canadiens

+14000

Sabres

+10000

8-4

Canadiens

+10000

Sabres

+9000

8-5

Canadiens

+12000

Sabres

+10000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

The Buffalo Sabres odds have been priced up by the sportsbooks and they are -130 betting favorites to land victory in this game which means a 56% chance of winning. For those wanting to back Montreal Canadiens, you will find +108 about the underdogs.

The puck line is calculated to be 1.5, while total goals comes in at 6.5. The Totals offers hockey bettors an alternative way of getting involved. If you’re going for Over 6.5, then the odds are -120.

If you're looking to place a National Hockey League wager, head to the top betting apps and explore the wide range of team props and game lines. Take your time to find the lines and odds that offer the best value.

Moneyline

Canadiens

+108

Sabres

-130

3-Way Moneyline

Canadiens

+175

Tie

+310

Sabres

+123

Puck Line

Canadiens +1.5

-244

Sabres -1.5

+194

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-102

Over 6.5

-120

As an alternative to the game lines and team props, check out the goalie and player props that are available. These can be a great alternative if you want to focus on a player’s performance. The best gambling sites will provide lots of options.

For those looking to enjoy a thrilling in-game wager, then NHL micro betting could be up your street. You are now able to bet on the Next Goal, Next Goalscorer and what will happen within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Montreal Canadiens Stats

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 7.20 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 7.40 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 3.60 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.80 pts and allowed 3.60 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 7.00 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.30 goals and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 4.30 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 28.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 4.3
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 10
• Blocks: 10.9
• Faceoff Wins : 19.9
• Hits: 23.6
• Giveaways: 13.7
• Takeaways: 4.9

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 26.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 12.1
• Blocks: 12.2
• Faceoff Wins : 23.9
• Hits: 22.6
• Giveaways: 14.2
• Takeaways: 4.7

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 24.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.5
• Penalty Minutes: 10.2
• Blocks: 7.7
• Faceoff Wins : 16
• Hits: 20
• Giveaways: 16.5
• Takeaways: 5.1

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 26.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.5
• Penalty Minutes: 10.5
• Blocks: 6.6
• Faceoff Wins : 19.5
• Hits: 18.6
• Giveaways: 17.9
• Takeaways: 5.2

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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