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    Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Game 7: Preview, prediction and odds | 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs

    The decisive Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres is all set for Monday. The second-round series of the NHL playoffs is currently tied three games apiece and has been a treat for the neutrals and a nerve-wracking one for fans of both teams. Game 6 ended in an 8-3 win for the Sabres, who leveled the series emphatically.

    The puck drop at KeyBank Centre is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The game will be shown live on ESPN.


    Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres head-to-head and key stats

    • The Canadiens are 3-2 against the Sabres in the last five games
    • The Canadiens finished their regular season as No. 3 in goals scored in their division with 283. The Sabres finished their regular season as No. 2 with 288
    • The Canadiens finished their regular season as No. 4 in goals allowed in their division with 256. The Sabres finished their regular season as No. 7 with 241


    Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres game preview

    The Canadiens let another opportunity to move to the conference finals slip from their hands as they failed to capitalize on their lead yet again in Game 6 on Saturday night. Montreal, despite trailing 1-0 early in the game, got back on level terms and led 3-1 at one point before capitulating and losing the game in an unbelievable fashion.

    As for the Sabres, it was as close a call as possible as they must have seen the exit door while trailing 3-1. However, Buffalo switched gears and scored seven unanswered goals in what can only be described as a comeback of unmatched proportions.


    Canadiens predicted lineup against the Sabres (subject to change)

    Forwards:

    Cole Caufield — Nick Suzuki — Juraj Slafkovsky

    Josh Anderson — Jake Evans — Ivan Demidov

    Alexandre Texier — Kirby Dach — Zachary Bolduc

    Alex Newhook — Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

    Defensemen:

    Mike Matheson — Noah Dobson

    Kaiden Guhle — Jayden Struble

    Alex Carrier — Lane Hutson

    Goaltenders:

    Jakub Dobes — Jacob Fowler


    Canadiens vs. Sabres odds and prediction

    Montreal is a +102 underdog, while Buffalo is a -122 favorite. The puck line is set at +1.5 for the Canadiens at -250 and the Sabres at +205. The over/under is 5.5 goals.

    Score Prediction: Montreal Canadiens 5, Buffalo Sabres 4


    Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres betting tips

    Over/under: Take over 5.5 goals (+100)

    Moneyline: Take Canadiens to win (+102)

    Puck line: Take Canadiens to cover the +1.5 spread (-250)