Venue: Bell Centre, Montréal, Québec
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Series: Eastern Conference Semifinals — Montreal leads 2–1
Injury Report
Montreal Canadiens
- Cole Caufield — Probable (upper‑body soreness; expected to play)
- Juraj Slafkovský — Healthy
- Kaiden Guhle — Out (lower‑body)
- David Savard — Probable (illness)
- Sam Montembeault — Healthy
Montreal’s blue line remains thin without Guhle, but their top‑six forwards are fully available.
Buffalo Sabres
- Tage Thompson — Probable (ankle; expected to play full minutes)
- Rasmus Dahlin — Healthy
- Owen Power — Healthy
- Alex Tuch — Out (upper‑body)
- Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen — Healthy
Buffalo’s attack takes a hit without Tuch, but their defensive core is intact.
Team Records & Series Context
- Buffalo Sabres: 1–2 in series
- Montreal Canadiens: 2–1 in series
- Home/Road: BUF 0–1 on road this series; MTL 1–0 at home
- Series Summary:
- Game 1: Montreal win
- Game 2: Buffalo win
- Game 3: Montreal win Montreal has controlled the pace in two of three games, and their forecheck has consistently disrupted Buffalo’s breakout.
Recent Team Form
Buffalo Sabres
- Last 5 overall: L–W–L–W–L
- Goals For: 11
- Goals Against: 14
- Trend: Buffalo’s offense has been inconsistent, and their defensive zone exits have been sloppy under pressure. Dahlin and Power have logged heavy minutes.
Montreal Canadiens
- Last 5 overall: W–L–W–W–L
- Goals For: 13
- Goals Against: 10
- Trend: Montreal’s speed game is clicking. Their top line has generated high‑danger chances consistently, and Montembeault has been sharp.
Key Player Matchups
1. Cole Caufield (MTL) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (BUF)
Caufield’s quick release and off‑puck movement have created problems for Buffalo. Dahlin must limit his space and avoid overcommitting.
2. Tage Thompson (BUF) vs. Mike Matheson (MTL)
Thompson’s size and shot volume are Buffalo’s best offensive weapon. Matheson’s mobility will be tested in transition.
3. Nick Suzuki (MTL) vs. Owen Power (BUF)
Suzuki’s playmaking has driven Montreal’s offense. Power must stay disciplined defending the slot and cross‑ice feeds.
4. Goaltending: Luukkonen (BUF) vs. Montembeault (MTL)
Montembeault has been steadier in the series. Luukkonen must rebound after allowing multiple high‑danger goals in Game 3.
Series History
- 2025–26 Regular Season: Buffalo won 2–1
- Playoff History: First postseason meeting between these franchises
- Trend: Montreal has dictated pace at home, while Buffalo has struggled to match their speed.
Betting Trends
Buffalo Sabres
- 1–4 in last 5 road playoff games
- Overs in 3 of last 5
- 0–3 when allowing the first goal this postseason
Montreal Canadiens
- 4–1 in last 5 home games
- Unders in 4 of last 6
- 5–2 in last 7 playoff games decided by one goal
Series Trends
- Home team has won all 3 games
- Montreal averaging 3.3 goals per game
- Buffalo averaging 2.3 goals per game
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
Montreal Canadiens – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 11, 2026
