Updated January 4, 2024By Tony Reyes
When: Thursday, January 4th at 7:00 PM ET
Who: Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens
Where: Bell Centre in Montreal, QC
The Habs are hitting the Bell Centre ice with a fiery spirit, ready to turn their homecoming into a victory bash against the Sabres.
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As the puck is set to drop in the heart of Montreal, the Canadiens are rolling out the red carpet back at the Bell Centre, and boy, does it seem tailor-made for a celebration.
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Fresh off a seven-game sojourn with its fair share of ups and downs, the Habs are bringing home more than just dirty laundry – they’re packing a win against the Stars that’s got the momentum swinging in their favor.
Now, let’s talk turkey. The Sabres might’ve had their moments this season, but consistency is as elusive to them as a clean shave to a playoff beard.
They’ve been a one-and-done deal on the win front, with back-to-back victories feeling like a distant October memory. And let’s not even start on their first-period fumbles – 51 goals conceded is enough to make any goalie wish for an invisibility cloak.
Buffalo Sabres to winBuffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
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On the flip side, the Canadiens aren’t exactly sitting pretty in the standings, but they’ve been scrappy enough on the road to make you think twice.
They’ve pulled together more points than the naysayers expected, and that’s without the cozy confines of home ice. But now that they’re back in the 514, expect those French-Canadian cheers to hit different.
In the crease, we’ve seen a three-headed monster for Montreal. Jake Allen, Samuel Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau have all been stepping up, and Allen and Primeau have already snagged wins against Buffalo this season. You can bet they’re itching to add another notch on the post.
Sure, both squads are feeling the sting of missing key players, but how you dance in the rain—or in this case, skate on the thin ice—counts.
The Canadiens’ top line has been clicking like they’re on a speed date, finding chemistry that could give the periodic table a run for its money.
Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and the rookie sensation Juraj Slafkovsky have been stirring the pot nicely, throwing in points like they’re chefs in a gourmet kitchen.
Montreal Canadiens to winBuffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
-136
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And let’s not forget, the Habs have already shown they can outplay the Sabres, having won both previous meetings this season. That’s a psychological edge sharper than a skate blade.
Now, I’m not saying the Sabres are just going to roll over. Casey Mittelstadt is on a tear, on pace to smash his personal records, but hockey is a team sport, and one man does not a victory make.
So, what’s the game plan?
The Canadiens need to exploit that shaky Buffalo start, come out swinging, and keep that energy higher than a caffeine-fueled college student during finals week.
With the home crowd’s roar as their soundtrack, the Canadiens’ recent road resilience, and the goaltending trifecta that’s been more wall than sieve against the Sabres, the stage is set for Montreal to turn the heat up in this frosty matchup.
ICYMI: Nick Suzuki and Jordan Harris notched two points each, while Cole Caufield scored on his birthday as the Habs kicked off 2024 with a win in Dallas
Highlights ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/P52wQD5L16
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 3, 2024
The Sabres’ quest for consistency is going to have to wait because the Canadiens are back on their stomping ground, and they’ve got a point to prove.
Will it be an easy ride? As easy as herding cats. But with the recent performances and the undeniable boost from a home crowd that’s been starved for victory, the Canadiens have more than a fighting chance—they’ve got the makings of a win that could be as sweet as maple syrup.
So, as the betting community huddles over their sheets and the fans don their bleu, blanc, et rouge, remember this: the Canadiens are bringing more than just their A-game.
They’re bringing the spirit of a city that’s ready to transform hope into a win that’s as memorable as the last bite of a poutine. And for the Sabres? They might find Montreal in January a tad too cold for comfort.
Over 6.5 GoalsBuffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
-125
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