Canadiens vs Sabres Prediction 3/3/25 NHL Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Canadiens vs Sabres Prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 3rd at the Centre Bell. Let’s take a look at a Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres pick. 

Sabres Defense Has to Improve

The Sabres’ defense has been a major issue heading into this game, and they are going to need them to quickly improve. Two games ago against the Carolina Hurricanes, they lost 5-2, and in the last game against the Canadiens, they lost 4-2. The defense gave up three goals in the second period, and that ended up being the difference in the defeat. Alex Tuch scored one of the only goals for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen wasn’t awful in goal, but he hasn’t been good enough at times. He ended up saving 25 of the 28 shots that he faced. 

The Sabres have only nine wins away from home this season, and although home hasn’t been much better, away from home has been awful. The Sabres offense has been middle of the road, but it’s been the defense that really let them down, giving up 3.32 goals per game. As a team, they are shooting 11.41 percent which is 5th. That is the best stat for the Sabres this season. Tage Thompson has been the top player this season, scoring 28 goals and adding 53 assists so far this year. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could get the start in goal, and he sits with a 20-17-4 record overall while giving up 3.01 goals per game. The Sabres are actually 5-3 in the last eight games that Luukkonen has been in goal. Jason Zucker is dealing with a lower-body injury, and he’s questionable for this game. The Sabres will take on the Sharks and Lightning after this game.

Canadiens Heating Up?

The Canadiens haven’t had the best season but they are suddenly getting hot, and they have won four games in a row. The Canadiens have scored at least four goals in each of the last four games. Two games ago against the Sharks, it took overtime, but they secured the 4-3 victory. In the last game against the Sabres, Jakub Dobes was in goal, and he saved 23 of the 25 shots that he faced. The Canadiens offense also peppered shots on goal and finished with 28 of them total. 

The Canadiens are averaging 2.97 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.32 goals per game. Much like the Sabres, the Canadiens’ defense hasn’t been great, and they are giving up 3.32 goals per game. The offense has been better in the last four games, and they will need the offense to continue that success here. Sam Montembault is expected to get the start for the Canadiens, and he sits with a 21-21-3 record overall, and he’s giving up 2.90 goals per game. The Canadiens have won the last three games with Montembault in goal. 

Why the Canadiens will beat the Sabres

• The Canadiens have won each of their last four games.
• The Sabres have lost each of their last four road games.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against the Sabres.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four road games following a home loss.
• The Canadiens have won the second period in five of their last six games against Atlantic Division opponents when tied after the first period.

Canadiens vs Sabres Prediction

The Canadiens have had their issues this season, but they are suddenly heating up, and there is no reason they can’t continue their success here. The Sabres goaltending has been a major issue heading into this game, and it won’t get any better against a Canadiens team with all kinds of confidence. They are averaging only 2.97 goals, but in the last game against Buffalo, they scored four goals. The Canadiens are going to score at least four goals again here. Buffalo is 0–4 in their last four road games, and after this one, it will move up to five. Back the Canadiens on the money line.