Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres
How to watch
Puck drop: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT
In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English), RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the Sabres region: MSG-B
Elsewhere: TSN GO, NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live
The Canadiens remain one of the most difficult teams to play against in the NHL, and proved it once again against the Calgary Flames. With Jonathan Drouin finding his stride, Carey Price getting back to the level we’re accustomed to seeing him at this season, and with contributions from the entire roster, the Habs have kept pace with some of the best teams in the conference.
Tonight, they look to continue their strong play against a Sabres team who has one of their most talented rosters in recent memory.
Antti Niemi will get the start for the Habs.
Montreal will have to be on their toes tonight, as they play against a Sabres offence that has yet to reach their full potential. It’ll be interesting to watch first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin for the first time tonight against the Canadiens. Paired with phenom Jack Eichel, they form a duo that will prove to be formidable in years to come. Supported by newcomer Jeff Skinner, and young forward Sam Reinhart, the core of this team could be one to challenge the Habs tonight.
Buffalo remains in fifth place in the division, but currently hold a Wild Card spot. Tonight is the first of four games that the Sabres and Canadiens will play.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Forwards
| Left Wing | Centre | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Tomas Tatar | Phillip Danault | Brendan Gallagher |
| Paul Byron | Jesperi Kotkaniemi | Joel Armia |
| Jonathan Drouin | Max Domi | Artturi Lehkonen |
| Nicolas Deslauriers | Matthew Peca | Andrew Shaw |
Defencemen
| Left Defence | Right Defence |
|---|---|
| Jordie Benn | Jeff Petry |
| Mikey Reilly | Noah Juulsen |
| Xavier Ouellet | Victor Mete |
Goaltenders
| Goaltenders |
|---|
| Antti Niemi |
| Carey Price |
Buffalo Sabres Projected Lineup
Forwards
| Left Wing | Centre | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Skinner | Jack Eichel | Jason Pominville |
| Conor Sheary | Vladimir Sobotka | Sam Reinhart |
| Evan Rodrigues | Casey Middlestadt | Kyle Okposo |
| Patrik Burglund | Johan Larsson | Zemgus Girgensons |
Defencemen
| Left Defence | Right Defence |
|---|---|
| Jake McCabe | Rasmus Ristolainen |
| Marco Scandella | Zach Bogosian |
| Rasmus Dahlin | Casey Nelson |
Goaltenders
| Goaltenders |
|---|
| Carter Hutton |
| Linus Ullmark |
