Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction | NHL 22.01.26

This regular-season clash on 22-01-2026 pits the Buffalo Sabres (27-17-5) against the Montreal Canadiens (28-15-7) at the iconic Bell Centre in Montreal, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM. Both teams are firmly in the playoff picture, setting the stage for a competitive divisional battle.

The Buffalo Sabres have demonstrated a potent offensive capability, largely driven by their top-tier talent. Their 27-17-5 record reflects a team that can consistently find ways to win, often leveraging their size and skill. The Sabres boast significant physical presence, particularly on the backend with players like Owen Power (6’6″) and Mattias Samuelsson (6’4″), which can be crucial in managing the Canadiens’ forecheck. However, their reliance on a few key offensive contributors can sometimes lead to inconsistencies if those players are contained. Goaltending, primarily handled by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (6’5″), has been a stabilizing factor, providing a solid foundation for their defensive structure.

The Montreal Canadiens enter this contest with a slightly superior 28-15-7 record, indicative of their strong season performance. Their success is built on a dynamic offensive core and a balanced defensive effort. The Canadiens excel at quick transitions and capitalizing on opponent mistakes, often spearheaded by their skilled forwards. The Bell Centre crowd provides a significant home-ice advantage, historically energizing the Canadiens. Despite a key injury, the team has shown resilience and depth, maintaining a high level of play. Their defensive pairings, featuring players like Noah Dobson (6’4″) and Kaiden Guhle (6’3″), offer a blend of physicality and puck-moving ability.

Considering the Canadiens’ slightly better record, home-ice advantage at the Bell Centre, and the consistent offensive production from their top line, the Montreal Canadiens are the favored team in this matchup. While Patrik Laine’s status is a concern, the Canadiens have demonstrated depth. Both teams feature solid goaltending and capable defensive units, suggesting a tight-checking affair. Therefore, the total goals prediction is under the line of 6.5.