Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has upped his shooting aggression throughout the playoffs.
My Canadiens vs. Sabres predictions expect that trend to continue in tonight's winner-take-all Game 7 against the Buffalo Sabres.
Let's take a closer look at my NHL picks for Monday, May 18, and don't miss puck drop at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight!
Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7?
Canadiens: The Canadiens have shown great resilience during the playoffs, following up each loss with a win. I expect them to quickly flush Game 6. They hold the expected goals edge in this series – albeit not by much – and Jakub Dobes has been more consistent than Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen, making him a little more trustworthy in this do-or-die affair.
Canadiens vs Sabres best bet: Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots (-115)
Lane Hutson has ramped up his shot volume significantly during the playoffs. He has averaged 5.8 attempts per game, well above his season average of 3.7.
It’s not one or two big games propping up his numbers. He attempted at least four shots in 11 of 13 games thus far.
He cleared 1.5 shots in 72% of his games this year when generating at least four attempts.
Hutson is being spoon-fed offensive zone starts and will see as much ice as he can handle in an elimination game, setting him up to fire away.
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Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7 same-game parlay
It took a while to get going, but Cole Caufield is firing on all cylinders now. He has scored in three of his past four games and leads the team in scoring chances with 22.
Few players can fill the net like No. 13 when he's on, and the Sabres have gotten very inconsistent goaltending.
Speaking of goaltending: That's one big reason I like the Montreal Canadiens to steal the series. Jakub Dobes ranks second among playoff netminders in Goals Saved Above Expected and is more likely to provide stable play between the pipes tonight.
Canadiens vs Sabres SGP
- Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots
- Cole Caufield anytime goal
- Canadiens moneyline
Bonus SGP for Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7
Alex Newhook has been a constant headache for the Buffalo Sabres. He leads the Habs in shots on goal and scoring chances at 5-on-5, and we’re unlikely to see much special teams play in a Game 7.
That makes even-strength play even more important, and Newhook has consistently made an impact in that state.
Kaiden Guhle blocked multiple shots in five of his last six road games, including all three against Buffalo. He combined for 10 blocks in Buffalo, and will be relied upon to lead the charge defensively in Game 7.
Bonus Canadiens vs Sabres SGP
- Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots
- Alex Newhook Over 1.5 shots
- Kaiden Guhle Over 1.5 blocked shots
Canadiens vs Sabres anytime goal scorer
Caufield is one of the league's most efficient shooters and is averaging 6.2 shot attempts over his past five games. The 50-goal scorer will cause problems for Buffalo's Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen, who had been leaky at times — and ranks last among remaining goalies in Goals Saved Above Expected during the playoffs.
Bonus AGS pick for Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7
Alex Tuch (+210)
Who doesn't love more extra picks! Alex Tuch leads the Sabres in shot attempts (38), shots on target (21), and scoring chances (20), yet has not hit the scoresheet, let alone found the back of the net.
He is constantly knocking on the door and playing more minutes than any other forward on the roster. He’ll have every opportunity to break through tonight.
Canadiens vs Sabres odds for Game 7
- Moneyline: Montreal +100 | Buffalo -120
- Puck Line: Montreal +1.5 (-260) | Buffalo -1.5 (+205)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)
Canadiens vs Sabres trend
The Canadiens have hit the moneyline in 14 of their last 20 away games (+8.6 units, 37% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Sabres.
How to watch Canadiens vs Sabres Game 7
| Location | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY |
| Date | Monday, May 18, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Canadiens vs Sabres latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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