The Buffalo Sabres (15-19-4) travel to face off against the Montreal Canadiens (16-16-5) on Thursday, January 4th. This game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal. The Canadiens are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Senators. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Sabres come in with an overall record of 15-19-4. On the road, Buffalo has a 7-10-3 record, whereas they are 8-9-1 at home. In the Eastern Atlantic division, they are currently 7th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 14th. Buffalo’s average scoring margin this season is -0.6, leading to an overall puck line record of 18-20. At their home arena, they have a scoring margin of -0.4, while on the road, it is -0.7.

Following a 5-1 loss on the road to the Senators, the Sabres are eager to bounce back. The Sabres started strong on offense with one time in the first period, but they couldn’t find the net again for the rest of the game. Buffalo’s’s lone goal during the game occurred at even strength. They ended with 46 shots on goal in total.

Entering the game as the underdog, Buffalo not only suffered a straight-up loss but also failed to cover the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 7, and it concluded with a combined total of 6 goals.

The Montreal Canadiens Are Coming Off A Win

So far this season, the Canadiens have an overall record of 16-16-5. On the road, Montreal is 9-7-3 and 7-9-2 at home. This record has them sitting 6th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 13th in the Eastern conference. Montreal’s average scoring margin this season is -0.6 leading to an overall puck line record of 23-14. Their scoring margin at home is -0.8 and -0.4 on the road.

In their last game, the Canadiens went up against the Stars and emerged as winners with a score of 4-3. Throughout the game against the Stars, Canadiens’ offense managed to score in every single period. Out of Montreal’s four goals, one were scored during power plays. They concluded the game with 18 shots on goal and had eight giveaways.

Going into the game, Montreal was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. The combined total of 7 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals for the game.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

When looking at their offense, the Sabres have an average of 2.9 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 19th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 11th in the league. This season, the Sabres have a 10-11 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 5-8 record.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 16-21-1. Throughout the season, they have played 22 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.4 goals per game.

Montreal Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Canadiens come into the game at 2.8 goals per contest placing 27th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 27th position in the league. Looking at how the Canadiens’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 14th in power play goals and 16th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Canadiens have an over/under record of 19-17-1. Throughout the season, they have played 19 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 6.3 per game.

Buffalo Team Defense

The Sabres defense is currently 19th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.3 shots per game against Buffalo. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 26th with 1 shutouts.

Montreal Team Defense

Entering the game, the Canadiens’ defense ranks 30th in takeaways, averaging 5.2 takeaways per contest. In the NHL, they currently stand at 4th in terms of goals allowed, giving up an average of 3.2 goals per game.

Sabres vs Canadiens Trends

• In their last five games away from home, the Sabres have a straight up record of 1-4 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 2 goals per game in these contests.
• Across their last three home contests, Montreal has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 2 goals per game.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Canadiens have a strong record vs the puck line going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Going back to their last three games as the favorite, the Sabres have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 0-3.

Sabres vs Canadiens Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Sabres to take down the Canadiens on the road. With the moneyline currently at -133, I’m placing my bet on the Sabres straight-up.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Canadiens to cover. Even in the event of a Sabres victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Canadiens should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.