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Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres: Preview, Predictions and Picks for March 1, 2025

Updated on:
Mar 1, 2025 8:51 PM
The Montreal Canadiens, fresh off a strong performance from Nick Suzuki, who scored two goals in their last game, are set to face the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The Canadiens, currently leading the season series 2-0, look to build on their momentum, while the Sabres aim to turn the tide and secure their first win against Montreal this season.
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

Current Odds

MTL
BUF
Over
6.5
-110
Under
6.5
-118
MTL
-1.5
-2000
BUF
+1.5
+750
MTL
ML
-10000
BUF
ML
+13000

Canadiens vs Sabres statistics

Stat Canadiens Sabres
Goals For per Game 2.95 3.19
Goals Against Average 3.34 3.39
Shots per Game 26.0 27.8
Shots Against per Game 28.9 29.1
Power Play Goals 37 28
Power Play Goals Against 35 39
Short Handed Goals 7 4
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 551 546
Power Play Percentage 21.4 17.0
Penalty Kill Percentage 81.8 77.2

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/27/25 @ Carolina Hurricanes L 5-2
2/25/25 vs Anaheim Ducks W 3-2
2/22/25 vs New York Rangers W 8-2
2/8/25 @ Nashville Predators L 6-4
2/4/25 vs Columbus Blue Jackets W 3-2

Montreal Canadiens recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/27/25 vs San Jose Sharks W 4-3 OT
2/25/25 vs Carolina Hurricanes W 4-0
2/22/25 @ Ottawa Senators W 5-2
2/9/25 vs Tampa Bay Lightning L 5-3
2/8/25 vs New Jersey Devils L 4-0

Buffalo Sabres injuries

  • Jason Zucker (LW): Day-To-Day
  • James Reimer (G): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Tuch (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Mattias Samuelsson (D): Injured Reserve
  • Jordan Greenway (LW): Injured Reserve

Montreal Canadiens injuries

  • Kirby Dach (C): Out
  • Michael Pezzetta (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Kaiden Guhle (D): Day-To-Day
  • Josh Anderson (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Brendan Gallagher (RW): Day-To-Day

Canadiens vs Sabres game info

Type Info
Venue KeyBank Center
Location Buffalo, NY
Puck drop Sat 7:00 PM

Canadiens vs Sabres predictions

The Montreal Canadiens are skating into the game against the Buffalo Sabres with some serious momentum, especially after Nick Suzuki’s recent dazzling two-goal showcase. This young center has been not just a playmaker but a point magnet, sitting pretty at 60 points for the season with 42 assists. He's proving to be a critical cog in Montreal's offensive engine. With Cole Caufield tallying 28 goals, his ability to light the lamp will be pivotal against a Sabres defense that’s seen better days. For the Canadiens to stay hot, their path undoubtedly calls for a continued surge from this dynamic duo.

Now, turning to the Sabres, let's imagine crouching behind the bench on game day. Buffalo will be counting on Tage Thompson to lace up despite his day-to-day status. With 28 goals and an eye-catching 51 points, his presence could tip the scales in Buffalo’s favor, but his injury status throws a wrench in any concrete expectations. Without Thompson or with him at less than 100%, Rasmus Dahlin’s absence is another cloud hanging over their heads. Although Dahlin's 37 assists leave a significant void, it'll be intriguing to see which player steps up to lead the charge at the KeyBank Center.

Ultimately, as the puck drops and skates cut the ice, the game feels poised to swing under the Canadiens' command, given their recent head-to-head control over Buffalo, leading the series 2-0. Their consistent performance, coupled with star players revving up at just the right moment, may give them the edge to claim victory in this contest. While the Sabres have the home-ice advantage and will likely put up a fierce fight, the current omission of key playmakers could tilt the balance towards Montreal. So, what do you think will paint tonight’s game? Will the Canadiens continue their winning streak or will the Sabres defy the odds? Time, as they say, will tell.

Buffalo Sabres

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Montreal Canadiens

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