The Montreal Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres for the second time this week on Saturday, Oct. 17. Tuesday's meeting marked the teams' first encounter at the Bell Centre since Game 6 of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals.
My Sabres vs. Canadiens predictions suggest another high-scoring affair between two young and offense-driven teams. Read below for today's NHL picks for this exciting Atlantic Division matchup.
Sabres vs Canadiens prediction: Over 6.5
These two teams are a combined 10-5-0 O/U to start this season, after being two of the NHL's highest-scoring teams in 2025-26.
The Montreal Canadiens have played to the Over in five of their last six, allowing five or more goals in four of those games. The Buffalo Sabres have allowed four or more in four of their last five.
The Habs' underlying numbers aren't terrible (47.99 xGF% in all situations), but they don't indicate a sound defensive team. They've also scored four or more goals in four of six, so this matchup has high-scoring written all over it.
COVERS INTEL: Thompson is averaging 7.1 shot attempts per game since January 1. His 2.92 ixG paces the Sabres by a mile, and he averages the most ice time of any Buffalo forward.
Sabres vs Canadiens combo
Nobody loves Saturday nights at the Bell Centre more than Cole Caufield.
He led the NHL with 23 Saturday goals last season, and has scored in 14 of his last 25 home games (56%), a rate which exceeds his 46% price.
Tage Thompson ranks second in the NHL in shots on goal with 37 through eight games. He's cleared four or more in six of those outings and has attempted a ludicrous 62 shots this season.
Although not nearly as known for shooting the puck as his compatriot above, Lane Hutson is on pace to shatter his career-high in shots on goal. He's fired 16 through seven games played, clearing two or more in six consecutive games, including Tuesday against the Sabres.
He's attempted at least five shots in five of those six games.
Sabres vs Canadiens combo
- Cole Caufield anytime goalscorer
- Tage Thompson 4+ shots
- Lane Hutson 2+ shots
TOP PICK
Sabres vs Canadiens player prop: Tage Thompson Over 3.5 shots
When it comes to firing pucks towards opposing goaltenders, Thompson is effectively matchup-proof.
His 37 shots on goal this season are one behind the league lead, and he's cleared this line in six of eight games in 2026-27. Despite this, he's priced at just 45%.
The Arizona native has recorded a ridiculous 62 shot attempts, racking up seven or more in all but one game this season. There's trigger-happy, and then there's Tage Thompson.
Sabres vs Canadiens goal scorer: Cole Caufield
It's not only Caufield's favorite day of the week, but the Wisconsin native has nine goals in his last nine games against Buffalo, finding the twine in four straight meetings and six of his last seven.
No one in the NHL has scored more than Caufield in 2026, and this is the exact night and environment where he typically shines.
- Top picks: 7-8, +1.13 units
- Combos: 0-5, -5.0 units
Sabres vs Canadiens odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Sabres 44% | Canadiens 57%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (51%) | Under 6.5 (51%)
- Spread: Sabres +1.5 (66%) | Canadiens -1.5 (35%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Sabres vs Canadiens trend
These teams have played to the Over in three of their last four meetings, with Montreal winning five of the last seven. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Sabres vs Canadiens
| Location | Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG Buffalo, NHL.net |
Sabres vs Canadiens latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
