Canadiens vs. Sabres Game Thread, lines, start time, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens are facing off against a team that has given them all they can handle in recent meetings The Habs have many injured players making their return tonight, including defenceman Andrei Markov and centre David Desharnais. This game also features defenceman Nikita Nesterov’s Habs debut. Jeff Petry’s status is unknown as he felt ill this morning. He’ll be a game-time decision.

Aside from all the new players, the Canadiens are coming off of a lackluster performance against the New York Islanders. With the team back to relative health, they should be much better than they were before the break. We do have to keep in mind the Habs are still without two of their best forwards, but the trickle of reinforcements should help them weather the storm.

On the other side of the coin, the Buffalo Sabres have been playing better of late, but that does little for the state of their defence, which features third pairing straight out of the AHL. Outside of that, the Sabres forwards are an offensively gifted group. Noted Habs killer Matt Moulson is still struggling and is on the fourth line while former Habs captain and current Sabres captain Brian Gionta is on the third line. Robin Lehner will start for the Sabres.

How to Watch:

Time: 7:30 EST/4:30 PST

Habs Region: RDS, Sportsnet East

Sabres Region: MSG-Buffalo

Elsewhere: CentreIce, NHLGameCenter

Projected Montreal Canadiens Lineup

Projected Buffalo Sabres Lineup