The Montreal Canadiens (11-12-3) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (11-14-2) on Saturday, December 9th. This game will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo and televised on MSG-. The Sabres are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Canadiens are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Kings. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

The Montreal Canadiens Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Through 26 games, the Canadiens have achieved an overall record of 11-12-3. When on the road, Montreal holds a 5-4-2 record, while they are 6-8-1 when playing at home. In the Eastern Atlantic division, they are currently 6th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 13th. This season, Montreal has managed to win three games by a margin of more than one goal while losing nine games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record for the season is 14-12.

After suffering a 4-0 loss at home to the Kings, the Canadiens are looking to bounce back today. Montreal couldn’t crack the Kings defense, and didn’t score a single goal. While being shutout, the Canadiens’ offense finished with 8 giveaways and took a total of 24 shots on goal.

Entering the game as the underdog, Montreal not only suffered a straight-up loss but also failed to cover the puck line. The game ended below the over/under line of 6, with a combined total of 4 goals.

The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win

This season, the Sabres have a mark of 11-14-2. When going on the road, Buffalo has a record of 6-7-2 record, while they are 5-7-0 at their home arena. In the Eastern Atlantic division, they are currently 7th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 14th. This season, Buffalo has managed to win seven games by a margin of more than one goal while losing nine games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record for the season is 14-13.

Facing the Bruins in their last game, the Sabres won by a score of 3-1. During the first period, the Sabres started slow, but they turned things around by scoring two times in the second period and one goal in the third. In the game, Buffalo managed to score all three goals at even strength. They concluded with 35 shots on goal and committed 7 turnovers.

Entering the game as the underdog, Buffalo came away with a victory against the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 6, and it concluded with a combined total of 4 goals.

Montreal Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Canadiens are scoring an 2.7 goals per game this season, ranking 28th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 25th in the league. The Canadiens went 2-1 in games where they had more shots than their opponents. However, in games with fewer shots on goal, their record was 9-11.

The Canadiens’ over/under record this season is 12-13-1. For the season, they have had 14 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging 6.3 goals per game.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Sabres come into the game at 2.9 goals per contest placing 18th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 14th position in the league. In terms of power play goals, the Sabres offense is 25th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they are 18th in the NHL.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 11-15-1. Throughout the season, they have played 16 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.2 goals per game.

Montreal Team Defense

Coming into the game, the Canadiens’ defense is 29th in takeaways at 5 takeaways per contest. Overall, they are giving up 3.3 goals per game which is 4th in the NHL.

Buffalo Team Defense

Defensively, the Sabres are currently 14th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.7 shots per game against Buffalo. They also are 21st in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Canadiens vs Sabres Trends

• When looking at their past five road matchups, Montreal has an puck line record of 2-3 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• Through their last ten home games, Buffalo has an puck line record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 3-7 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Buffalo has an puck line mark of 5-5 while going 3-7 straight up.
• Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Canadiens have an overall record of 5-0 while going 2-3 against the spread.

Canadiens vs Sabres Prediction

If you’re looking for a straight moneyline bet, then the Sabres are the way to go. However, with a payout of -178, you might consider using this bet as a leg of a parlay.

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.

With an over/under line sitting at 6.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down 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.