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Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 17, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 17, 2024 8:15 PM
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the struggling Buffalo Sabres will look to snap their losing streak as they face off against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens, led by a strong home record, will aim to build on their 1-0 series lead in the regular season matchup. Both teams, tied in the Atlantic Division standings, will battle for crucial points in this NHL clash.
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens

Current Odds

BUF
MTL
Over
8.5
+160
Under
8.0
+102
BUF
-
-
MTL
-
-
BUF
ML
-
MTL
ML
-

Sabres vs Canadiens statistics

Stat Sabres Canadiens
Goals For per Game 2.94 2.70
Goals Against per Game 3.32 3.73
Shots per Game 28.0 24.3
Shots Against per Game 29.5 29.9
Power Play Goals 13 19
Power Play Goals Against 21 21
Short Handed Goals 3 2
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 329 323
Power Play Percentage 14.6 20.2
Penalty Kill Percentage 79.0 80.2

Montreal Canadiens recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/14/24 @ Winnipeg Jets L 4-2
12/12/24 vs Pittsburgh Penguins L 9-2
12/9/24 vs Anaheim Ducks W 3-2 SO
12/7/24 vs Washington Capitals L 4-2
12/5/24 vs Nashville Predators W 3-0

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/15/24 @ Toronto Maple Leafs L 5-3
12/14/24 @ Washington Capitals L 4-2
12/11/24 vs New York Rangers L 3-2
12/9/24 vs Detroit Red Wings L 6-5 SO
12/7/24 vs Utah Hockey Club L 5-2

Montreal Canadiens injuries

  • David Savard (D): Day-To-Day
  • Kaiden Guhle (D): Day-To-Day
  • Rafael Harvey-Pinard (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Mike Matheson (D): Day-To-Day
  • Patrik Laine (LW): Injured Reserve

Buffalo Sabres injuries

  • Jordan Greenway (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Rasmus Dahlin (D): Injured Reserve
  • Mattias Samuelsson (D): Injured Reserve
  • Sam Lafferty (C): Injured Reserve
  • Tage Thompson (RW): Injured Reserve

Sabres vs Canadiens game info

Type Info
Venue Bell Centre
Location Montreal, QC
Puck drop Tue 7:00 PM

Sabres vs Canadiens predictions

The Buffalo Sabres come into this matchup with weight on their shoulders, aiming to snap a troubling losing streak. A lot of eyes will be on Alex Tuch, who, if he returns from his day-to-day status, could really ignite the team’s front line. Tuch’s playmaking ability is crucial, especially with Tage Thompson sidelined on injured reserve. Tuch has been dishing out assists left and right, tallying 16 so far this season. His presence on the ice could provide the spark Buffalo desperately needs to turn the game in their favor.

On the Montreal Canadiens’ side, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are the dynamic duo likely to cause headaches for Buffalo’s defense. Suzuki, leading with 30 points, has been outstanding, distributing 19 assists and showing he can drive the team’s offense. Caufield, the top goal-scorer with 17 goals, has a knack for finding the back of the net. His sharpshooting skills will be essential in this clash as Montreal looks to exploit the Sabres’ recent form and defensive vulnerabilities.

Considering both teams' current records and struggles, this game at the Bell Centre could be a nail-biter. However, with the Canadiens playing on their home ice where they’ve had a marginally better record, and the Sabres battling injury woes, Montreal might have the slight edge. My gut leans towards a Canadiens victory, particularly if Suzuki and Caufield continue their impressive form. Still, this game could go either way, and an upset from the Sabres, with a strong performance from Tuch, shouldn't be counted out.

Montreal Canadiens

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Montreal Canadiens
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Buffalo Sabres

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Buffalo Sabres
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