Buffalo Sabres (24-29-5) at Montreal Canadiens (29-26-5)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | Bell Centre | Montreal, Quebec
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Montreal Canadiens
Record: 29-26-5 | 63 PTS
Division Ranking: 7th in Atlantic Division
Last Game: 4-2 Win vs Buffalo Sabres
PP: 18th (21.5%) | Sabres Rank: 27th (16.8%)
PK: 7th (82.0%) | Sabres Rank: 19th (77.1%)
What to Watch
1. Long Time No See
The Sabres did not have to wait long to redeem themselves from Saturday’s defeat. They wrap up their divisional home and home with Montreal Monday night. There could be some bad blood developing between the two teams. Jordan Greenway and Montreal’s backup goalie Jakub Dobes were exchanging less than friendly remarks with one another at the end of Saturday’s game. Greenway remarked after the game that Dobes was “talking ridiculously” and they would be seeing them on Monday. Dobes will likely be on the bench as Montembeault is the anticipated starter but look for Greenway to set the tone physically early in the game.
2. Defensive Coverage
Buffalo’s struggles in their own zone cost them against Montreal on Saturday. Both the game tying and game winning goals for the Habs were scored due to Sabres defenders losing their men in the slot. Buffalo must remain disciplined in their own zone to help their netminder. The Canadiens have two certified snipers, Caufield and Laine, that can cash in anywhere on the rink if they’re given room. Attention to detail in their own zone can be the difference between a rebound victory and a 3-game losing streak.
3. Looming Deadline
As Friday’s trade deadline approaches, some Sabres could be playing their last games for the franchise this week. There are multiple players that have had to play through the distraction of seeing their names in trade rumors this season. A new addition to the rumor mill this past week has been Henri Jokiharju. He did not play on Saturday, but it’s unclear if this was for trade reasons as he has been a healthy scratch often this season. Regardless of what happens leading up to Friday, it’s up to the players themselves to block out the noise and focus on the game at hand.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Peterka – Kulich – Thompson
Zucker – Cozens – Tuch
Benson – McLeod – Quinn
Malenstyn – Krebs
Defense
Dahlin – Byram
Power – Samuelsson
Bryson – Clifton
Gilbert
Starter: Luukkonen
Montreal Canadians
Forwards
Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Newhook – Beck – Laine
Gallagher – Dvorak – Anderson
Heineman – Evans – Armia
Defense
Hutson – Struble
Matheson – Carrier
Xhekaj – Savard
Starter: Montembeault