Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: KeyBank Center — Buffalo, New York
Broadcast: NHL Network / Regional Sports Networks
INJURY REPORT
No major injuries were listed for either team in the official NHL game preview. Both clubs enter the matchup with full playoff‑eligible rosters.
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Montreal Canadiens
Record: 48‑24‑5‑5 (regular season)
Recent Form (Last 5): W L W L W
Montreal has won 3 of their last 5, including a 2–1 win over Tampa Bay on May 3.
Buffalo Sabres
Record: 50‑23‑8‑1 (regular season)
Recent Form (Last 5): L W W L W
Buffalo defeated Boston 4–1 on May 1 and has alternated wins and losses over their last five.
PLAYER MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Nick Suzuki (MTL) vs. Tage Thompson (BUF)
Suzuki: 6 points, 5 assists in playoffs.
Thompson: 4 goals, 7 points. This is a premier center matchup—Suzuki drives Montreal’s transition game, while Thompson is Buffalo’s most dangerous shooter.
Cole Caufield (MTL) vs. Alex Tuch (BUF)
Caufield: 4 points, 1 PPG.
Tuch: 4 goals, 7 points. Caufield’s perimeter shooting vs. Tuch’s power‑forward interior scoring creates contrasting offensive styles.
Goaltending Battle
Jakub Dobes (MTL): 4‑3, 2.03 GAA, .923 SV%
Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen (BUF): 3‑1, 1.14 GAA, .955 SV% (elite form)
Both goalies are performing at top‑tier playoff levels, with Luukkonen entering slightly hotter.
SERIES HISTORY
The teams split their regular‑season series 2–2.
Montreal has been the stronger road team recently (4–2 last six away).
Buffalo is 3–3 in their last six at home.
This matchup historically trends evenly, with neither team holding a decisive long‑term edge.
BETTING TRENDS
Montreal overs hit 62% on the road.
Buffalo overs hit 55% at home.
AccuScore simulations give Buffalo a 55.1% win probability, projecting a slight shot‑volume edge.
Montreal’s goaltending projects slightly better save percentage (89.6% vs. 88.5%).
Game Odds
Montreal Canadiens 5.5
Buffalo Sabres – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 5, 2026
