Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST pits the Montreal Canadiens (30-17-7) against the Buffalo Sabres (31-17-5) at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning, making this a crucial divisional battle.

Montreal Canadiens Team Performance

The Canadiens enter this contest with a respectable record, demonstrating a blend of offensive firepower and defensive solidity, albeit with some inconsistencies. Their forward group features dynamic talent like Nick Suzuki, who leads the team with 62 points, and sniper Cole Caufield, boasting an impressive 30 goals. The addition of Lane Hutson, leading in assists with 46, highlights a strong offensive contribution from the blueline. Montreal’s roster also features significant size and physicality with players like Kirby Dach (6’4″), Juraj Slafkovsky (6’3″), and Arber Xhekaj (6’4″), which can be a formidable presence in tough matchups. However, their 30-17-7 record suggests moments where they struggle to close out games, potentially due to defensive lapses or goaltending inconsistencies.

Montreal Canadiens Key Players

Points: Nick Suzuki (62)
Goals: Cole Caufield (30)
Assists: Lane Hutson (46)

Injury Report Montreal Canadiens

Patrik Laine (Injured reserve): Laine (abdomen) is practicing Saturday in a non-contact jersey, indicating a potential return soon, which would significantly boost Montreal’s scoring depth.

Buffalo Sabres Team Performance

The Buffalo Sabres hold a slightly better record than Montreal, indicating a more consistent season performance. Their offense is spearheaded by the formidable Tage Thompson, who leads the team in both points (55) and goals (28), a testament to his elite scoring ability. Defensive star Rasmus Dahlin contributes significantly to the offense, leading the team with 32 assists. The Sabres boast an imposing physical presence, particularly on the backend and up front, with players like Owen Power (6’6″), Jordan Greenway (6’6″), and Mattias Samuelsson (6’4″) providing size and reach. Their ability to leverage their large forwards and mobile defensemen creates mismatches and strong puck possession. Despite some key injuries, their depth has allowed them to maintain a competitive edge.

Buffalo Sabres Key Players

Points: Tage Thompson (55)
Goals: Tage Thompson (28)
Assists: Rasmus Dahlin (32)

Injury Report Buffalo Sabres

Josh Norris (Injured reserve): Norris has been classified as day-to-day by head coach Lindy Ruff.
Justin Danforth (Injured reserve): Danforth (lower body) is trending toward a post-Olympic return to action.
Jacob Bryson (Injured reserve): Bryson (upper body) was designated for injured reserve Friday.

Prediction: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

Considering Buffalo’s slightly superior record, home-ice advantage, and the dominant offensive presence of Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, the Buffalo Sabres are the predicted winner. With both teams featuring high-caliber offensive talents like Caufield, Suzuki, Thompson, and Dahlin, combined with the potential for aggressive play, a high-scoring affair is anticipated. Therefore, the total goals prediction is over 6.5.

Last 5 Games: MTL

Form:

WWLLW

VS vs Colorado

W 7-3

PTS 30-17-7

GOL Dobes

AST Suzuki

VS vs Vegas

W 3-2 OT

PTS 29-17-7

GOL Dobes

AST Dobes

VS @ Boston

L 4-3

PTS 28-17-7

GOL Montembeault

AST Caufield

VS vs Buffalo

L 4-2

PTS 28-16-7

GOL Montembeault

AST Suzuki

VS vs Minnesota

W 4-3

PTS 28-15-7

GOL Dobes

AST Hutson

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Colorado	W 7-3	30-17-7	Dobes	Suzuki
vs Vegas	W 3-2 OT	29-17-7	Dobes	Dobes
@ Boston	L 4-3	28-17-7	Montembeault	Caufield
vs Buffalo	L 4-2	28-16-7	Montembeault	Suzuki
vs Minnesota	W 4-3	28-15-7	Dobes	Hutson

Last 5 Games: BUF

Form:

WWWWW

VS vs Los Angeles

W 4-1

PTS 31-17-5

GOL Lyon

AST Lyon

VS @ Toronto

W 7-4

PTS 30-17-5

GOL Ellis

AST Dahlin

VS @ New York

W 5-0

PTS 29-17-5

GOL Lyon

AST Lyon

VS @ Montreal

W 4-2

PTS 28-17-5

GOL Luukkonen

AST Luukkonen

VS @ Nashville

W 5-3

PTS 27-17-5

GOL Lyon

AST Helenius

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Los Angeles	W 4-1	31-17-5	Lyon	Lyon
@ Toronto	W 7-4	30-17-5	Ellis	Dahlin
@ New York	W 5-0	29-17-5	Lyon	Lyon
@ Montreal	W 4-2	28-17-5	Luukkonen	Luukkonen
@ Nashville	W 5-3	27-17-5	Lyon	Helenius

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction | NHL 31.01.26