In an Atlantic Division showdown, the Montreal Canadiens (2-1-1, 6th in Atlantic) take on the Buffalo Sabres (2-3, 8th in Atlantic) in a game that promises to be exciting and full of new young talent. Both teams are looking to rebound from varying forms of early-season adversity. Montreal recently scored an overtime win against the Washington Capitals, while Buffalo subdued the New York Islanders. It’s a tale of two teams at different stages of their competitive cycles.

Canadiens’ Young Guns Firing

The Montreal Canadiens have had an intriguing start to the season, showing flashes of brilliance intermixed with areas that need improvement. Cole Caufield stands out as the team’s biggest offensive threat. With three goals and two assists, he’s setting the pace for the Canadiens’ offense, which is currently scoring an average of 3.25 goals per game. Caufield’s recent overtime winner against the Washington Capitals not only secured a victory but also underscored his importance to the Canadiens’ offense. His chemistry with Nick Suzuki, who leads the team with three assists, offers Montreal a promising young duo capable of generating significant offensive numbers.

In goal, Jake Allen remains a critical piece of the Canadiens’ puzzle. With a goals-against average of 3.34 and a save percentage of .907, Allen’s numbers might not be eye-popping, but they’re enough to give Montreal a chance to win most nights. He made 31 saves against the Capitals, often bailing out a defense that allows 3.50 goals per game. It’s an area that needs tightening, especially considering the high expectations this season. Injuries to key players like Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle further complicate the Canadiens’ defensive equation, requiring lesser-used players to step up and fill the void.

Special teams for the Canadiens have been a mixed bag. With a power play percentage of 11.8% and a penalty kill rate of 79.2%, neither unit has dominated, but they haven’t been disastrous either. Special teams often become the differentiator in tight games, and with Montreal’s aspirations to be a top team in the Atlantic, improvement in this area is non-negotiable. The penalty kill, in particular, will be put to the test against Buffalo’s surprisingly effective penalty kill unit, making disciplined play a priority for Montreal in this matchup.

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The Canadiens have lost each of their last seven night games following an overtime win.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in 10 of the Canadiens’ last 11 games at KeyBank Center.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 18 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Canadiens have lost the third period in 10 of their last 11 night games following an overtime win.

Sabres’ Resurgence Underway?

The Buffalo Sabres have emerged this season as a team not to be taken lightly, despite some early setbacks. Their most recent outing saw them defeat the New York Islanders 3-1, with goals from Jeff Skinner, Mattias Samuelsson, and Dylan Cozens. Cozens, with two goals this season, has been a standout, providing much-needed offensive spark for a team that averages just 2.40 goals per game. Rasmus Dahlin, with five assists, is the creative force on the blue line, but the team needs more scorers to step up to improve their offensive output.

Goaltending for Buffalo has been a rollercoaster early on. While Devon Levi has shown promise, his 3.26 goals-against average and .892 save percentage indicate room for improvement. His injury adds another layer of complexity to Buffalo’s goaltending situation. Eric Comrie, however, gave Sabres fans something to cheer about with a remarkable performance against the Islanders, boasting a 1.00 GAA and .960 save percentage. It remains to be seen if Comrie can maintain this level of performance, but it provides some hope for a team in need of stable goaltending.

What stands out for Buffalo is their penalty kill. With a league-leading 94.7% effectiveness, they’ve managed to stave off scoring threats nearly every time they are short-handed. However, their power play is a glaring weakness, converting at a paltry 6.3%. If Buffalo hopes to improve their standing in the Atlantic Division, the power play unit needs to start clicking. With key players like Devon Levi and Zach Benson sidelined, the Sabres’ depth will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.

Buffalo Sabres Team Facts

• The Sabres have lost each of their last seven night games at KeyBank Center following a win.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in 10 of the last 11 games between the Canadiens and Sabres at KeyBank Center.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 13 of the Sabres’ last 14 games as favorites.
• The underdogs have won the third period in each of the last four games between the Canadiens and Sabres at KeyBank Center.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Buffalo Sabres ranks 29th in the league in power play percentage this season (6.25%).
• The Buffalo Sabres ranks 5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (94.74%).
• The Montreal Canadiens ranks 1st in the league in penalty minutes this season (95).
• The Montreal Canadiens ranks 29th in the league for opponent goals in Period 3 per game this season (1.75).

David’s Pick – Montreal Canadiens (+118)

Given the early-season performances, Montreal appears to be the safer bet. While Buffalo has a stellar penalty kill, their offensive struggles and mediocre power play leave them vulnerable. Jake Allen has been more consistent in the Canadiens’ net compared to the Sabres’ goaltending situation, especially with Devon Levi out. Montreal also has the offensive firepower in the form of Cole Caufield and a better-rounded team overall. Despite Buffalo’s surprising resilience, Montreal’s special teams, although not excellent, are performing at a more reliable level than Buffalo’s. In what promises to be a closely contested matchup, the Canadiens have the slight edge, particularly if their young guns continue to fire. Expect Montreal to capitalize on their offensive talents and come out with a win.