The Buffalo Sabres (24-27-4) travel to face off against the Montreal Canadiens (22-25-8) on Wednesday, February 21st. This game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal and televised on ESPN+. Both the Sabres and Canadiens will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 ET.

Sabres vs Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Buffalo enters today’s game with an overall record of 24-27-4, which has them in 13th place in the Eastern Conference and 6th place in the Atlantic Division. They have gone 1-2 in their last three games and 2-3 in their last five. On the road this season, the Sabres are 12-11-3, and they have won three straight games away from home. For the year, Buffalo has been favored in 21 of their 55 games, going 11-9-1 in those contests.

So far this season, the Sabres have scored 52 points. In games against other Eastern Conference teams, they have gone 13-19, and they are 7-8 against Atlantic Division opponents. As the favorite, Buffalo has lost two straight games.

Buffalo enters the game with a puck line record of 29-26 this season, including a mark of 17-9 on the road. Their average scoring margin for the year sits at -0.2 goals per game.

So far this season, the Sabres have been favored in 21 games and have gone 7-14 against the puck line in those contests. In their last ten games, Buffalo’s puck line record is 5-5.

After suffering a 4-3 loss at home to the Ducks, the Sabres are looking to bounce back today. Scoring-wise, the Sabres put up one goal during the first period and two times in the second period. Buffalo’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 3 goals. Their offensive performance came with 37 shots on goal and seven giveaways.

Buffalo took a loss vs. the puck line in the game, going into the game favored by -1.5. The combined total of 7 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals for the game.

The Montreal Canadiens Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Montreal comes into this game with a record of 22-25-8, which puts them in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. In the Atlantic Division, the Canadiens are in 7th place. Over their last ten games, Montreal has gone just 3-7, and they have lost two straight games.

When playing at home this season, the Canadiens have gone 11-15-3. As the underdog, Montreal has gone 18-24-8 this year, including a four-game losing streak in that role. Over their last five games, the Canadiens have gone just 1-4.

Montreal enters this game with a puck line record of 34-21, including a mark of 17-12 at home. So far, they have 15 one-goal wins and 7 wins by multiple goals.

Over their last ten home games, the Canadiens have a puck line record of 7-3, and their average scoring margin at home this year is at -0.8 goals per game. In their last three home games, Montreal has gone 2-1 against the puck line.

Coming off a 4-3 loss at home to the Capitals, the Canadiens are hoping to bounce back today. In all three periods, the Canadiens’ offense found the net against the Capitals. Montreal’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 3 goals. Their offensive performance came with 31 shots on goal and 18 giveaways.

Montreal went into the game as the underdogs, but they still managed to cover the puck line despite the loss. With a combined total of 7 goals, the teams exceeded the over/under line of 6 goals set for the game.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Sabres are averaging 2.9 goals per game which is 22nd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 11th in the league. Looking at how the Sabres’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 29th in power play goals and 24th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 23-30-2. Throughout the season, they have played 32 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6 goals per game.

Canadiens Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Canadiens are averaging 2.8 goals per game which is 27th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 27th in the league. Looking at how the Canadiens’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 17th in power play goals and 16th in shorthanded goals.

The Canadiens’ over/under record this season is 29-25-1. For the season, they have had 29 games that surpassed this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging6.5 goals per game.

Buffalo Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Sabres head into the game ranked 26th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 28.9 shots per game against Buffalo. So far, they are 7th in shutouts, achieving 4 shutouts.

Montreal Team Defense

Montreal defense takes on the Sabres ranked 3rd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 33.6 shots per game against Montreal. They also are 27th in shutouts, with 1 shutouts.

Sabres vs Canadiens Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Buffalo has been good against the puck line posting a mark of 3-0. Their overall mark in these games was 3-0, while averaging 4 goals per game.
• 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 3 goals per game.
• Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Canadiens have a strong record vs the puck line going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-4.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Sabres have gone 5-5 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 6-4.

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 -132, I’m placing my bet on the Sabres straight-up.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Canadiens to cover. Even in the event of a Sabres victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, 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.