Montréal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres March 3rd 2025

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sabres versus the Canadiens? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. The over/under for this matchup is currently set at 6 goals and the Canadiens are the -1.5 favorite to win at home vs. the Sabres.

Buffalo vs. Montreal Key Information

Teams: Sabres at Canadiens
Where: Bell Centre Montreal
Date: Monday, March 3rd
Betting Odds MON -110 | BUF -109 O/U 6

The Sabres Can Win If…

Buffalo’s 2-1 loss to the Red Wings dropped their record to 24-29-5. The Sabres were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 3 goals fell short of that mark.

Buffalo took an early lead with a short-handed goal from Alex Tuch at 11:39 in the first period. However, the Red Wings responded with two power-play goals in the second period to secure the win.

Buffalo managed 32 shots on goal but came away with just one in their 2-1 loss to Detroit. Alex Tuch scored his 5th goal of the season, an unassisted effort that came while the Sabres were shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period.

Buffalo had 13 giveaways and couldn’t find the net after Tuch’s early goal. They were shut out in the second and third periods, despite their 32 shots on goal.

Buffalo’s defense had a strong first and third period, but they gave up two goals in the second, leading to a 2-1 loss. Both goals came on the power play, with the first at 12:11 in the second period and the second at 5:22. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage. Defensively, the Sabres had 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

The Sabres have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. This includes going 0-3 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 1-2.
Over their last ten regular season games, the Sabres have gone 6-4 straight up. Against the spread, Buffalo went 5-5 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Canadiens Can Win If…

Montreal dropped to 29-26-5 after a 3-1 loss to the Penguins. The Canadiens were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 4 fell short of that mark.

After falling behind 2-0, Montreal got on the board with a goal from Christian Dvorak in the third period. However, the Penguins sealed the game with an empty-net goal later in the period.

Montreal’s offense was limited to just one goal in their 3-1 loss to the Penguins. Christian Dvorak found the net for the first time this season, scoring 5:32 into the third period. Emil Heineman picked up his first assist, while Juraj Slafkovsky added his seventh assist of the year.

The Canadiens took 26 shots on goal but struggled with giveaways, committing 20. They were held scoreless through the first two periods before Dvorak’s goal in the third.

Montreal’s defense gave up the first two goals of the game, both scored by Sidney Crosby. The first came at 15:57 in the 1st period, followed by another at 18:40 in the 2nd. After the Canadiens cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 3rd, they allowed an empty-netter with just 45 seconds remaining. Goalie Sam Montembeault made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense recorded 4 takeaways and 28 hits.

Spanning across their last three games, Montreal have gone 3-0. In addition, their puck line record over this stretch is 2-1 while posting a 1-2 over-under mark.
Through their last ten regular season contests, Montreal has a record of 5-5. Across these games, their puck line record was just 3-7, while posting an over-under record of 5-5.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Canadiens to pick up on a win over the Sabres at home. With the moneyline sitting at -110, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Canadiens straight-up.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Sabres to cover. Even in the event of a Canadiens victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

Canadiens Keep Playoff Push Alive as They Eye Fifth Straight Win

The Montreal Canadiens have been rolling since returning from the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break, riding a four-game winning streak into Monday’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres.

Montreal continued its strong post-break run with a 4-2 victory over Buffalo on Saturday, giving the Canadiens a 3-0 season series lead over the Sabres.

More importantly, the Canadiens are just three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, making this a critical game as they look to keep pace in the playoff race.

Captain Nick Suzuki has been leading the charge.

“We knew we had to come out of the break and get a bunch of wins,” Suzuki said. “Boys are really bought in right now, and it’s showing, and that’s a big reason we’re getting success.”

Compared to previous seasons, Montreal is in a much better position to fight for a playoff spot at this stage. On March 1 of last season, they were 15 points out of a playoff position, and the year before, they were 13 points back.

“It’s important to focus your energy on things you can control and, right now, what we can control is the way we play each game,” defenseman Mike Matheson said. “To know that this game wasn’t perfect but we found a way to win, we have to do that again.”

Canadiens Clicking at Both Ends of the Ice

Montreal has been dominant during its winning streak, outscoring opponents 17-7 while scoring at least four goals in every game.

Their special teams have been a major factor, with the power play converting at 30.8 percent (4-for-13) over the streak, while the penalty kill has gone 7-for-8, including five straight kills.

The Canadiens’ top line of Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been the driving force of their offense, combining for 17 points over the last four games.

Suzuki alone has recorded nine points (three goals, six assists) during this stretch, establishing himself as one of the NHL’s hottest players.

If Montreal can keep up this level of play, they’ll be a serious threat down the stretch.

Sabres Searching for Answers After Back-to-Back Losses

Buffalo has dropped two straight games after winning six of its previous seven, and defensive struggles have been a major issue.

In Saturday’s loss to Montreal, the Sabres allowed four goals, including several costly mistakes in the defensive zone.

“I think what hurt us, again, was some of our puck play, and a couple of those decisions cost us dearly on the goals,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “We know we’ve got to clean that up. We’ve got to do a better job getting more pucks (on net). I think we were OK with it, but the third period, probably seven or eight times we passed up opportunities.”

The Sabres are now 0-3 against Montreal this season, with the Canadiens outscoring them 17-8 in those meetings. Monday’s game is Buffalo’s last chance to avoid a season sweep.

Defenseman Jacob Bryson emphasized the importance of shutting down Montreal’s red-hot top line.

“You’ve got to key in on their top guys,” Bryson said. “I feel like that Suzuki line has been the driver for their offense every time we play them, so when they’re on the ice, be aware. And, obviously, (Patrik) Laine can score, too. So as long as we limit, I feel, our penalties, and keep them off the power play, I think we’ll be pretty successful.”

One bright spot for Buffalo has been Alex Tuch, who has scored in three straight games and has 11 points (six goals, five assists) in his last eight contests.

Want to compare betting lines before locking in your picks? Visit the NHL Odds Page for the latest spreads, moneylines, and totals!

Key Matchups to Watch

Nick Suzuki vs. Buffalo’s Defense
Suzuki has been Montreal’s best player during their win streak, and if Buffalo can’t slow him down, it could be another long night for the Sabres.

Alex Tuch vs. Montreal’s Blue Line
Tuch has been Buffalo’s most consistent offensive weapon lately. If he can generate scoring chances early, the Sabres may finally break through.

Special Teams Battle
Montreal’s power play is on fire, while Buffalo’s penalty kill needs to improve. If the Sabres continue to take bad penalties, the Canadiens could capitalize again.

What’s at Stake?

For Montreal, a win would:

Extend their season-best winning streak to five games.
Complete a 4-0 season sweep of Buffalo.
Move them even closer to the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

For Buffalo, a win would:

Snap a two-game skid and avoid a season sweep.
Keep them alive in the wild-card race.
Restore confidence after defensive struggles in recent losses.

With both teams battling for a playoff spot, expect a high-intensity, fast-paced game in Montreal. Will the Canadiens continue their surge, or can the Sabres salvage a season-series win? The answer comes Monday night.

Montréal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions March 3rd 2025