Canadiens seek series victory against Sabres in NHL playoffs

The Montreal Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the National Hockey League playoffs, holding a 3-2 series lead. The teams meet for the 10th time this season, having previously clashed in the Atlantic Division where Montreal won the final encounter 6-3.

Discipline remains a significant factor in this matchup. The Canadiens have committed 350 total penalties this season, ranking fourth in the league with an average of 4.3 per game. The Sabres have committed 316 penalties, ranking ninth in league play with an average of 3.9 per game.

Montreal’s regular season record stands at 48-24-10 overall, with a 23-12-3 record in Atlantic Division games. Buffalo’s record is 50-23-9 overall, including a 22-10-5 record in Atlantic Division games. Betting lines list the Canadiens at -159 and the Sabres at +134, with an over/under of 6.5 goals.

Key contributors include Nicholas Suzuki for Montreal, who has recorded 29 goals and 72 assists, and Rasmus Dahlin for Buffalo, who has 19 goals and 55 assists. In the last 10 games, Suzuki’s team has a 6-3-1 record, averaging 3.1 goals, while Buffalo has a 5-4-1 record, averaging 2.9 goals.

The Canadiens are without Patrik Laine due to an abdomen injury. Buffalo faces a more significant absence, with Jiri Kulich and Justin Danforth ruled out for the season due to ear and kneecap injuries, respectively. Noah Ostlund is also sidelined with a lower body injury.

The story was created using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.