Sabres and Canadiens Clash in Thrilling Second Round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Buffalo Sabres have ended a lengthy playoff drought, winning their first division title since 2010 and securing their first postseason appearance since 2011. They achieved a significant milestone in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by defeating the Boston Bruins in the first round, marking their first series victory since 2007. As they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, starting Wednesday at KeyBank Center, the stakes are high. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference Final, a feat the Sabres last accomplished 19 years ago. Buffalo's season started poorly, with a record of 5-8-4 after 17 games, but they turned it around dramatically, finishing atop the Atlantic Division with 109 points. Key players in their playoff success include Alex Tuch, who led the team with four goals, and Tage Thompson, who matched Tuch with seven points in the series against Boston. The Canadiens also had a tough first round, narrowly defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in a series filled with close contests, including four that went to overtime. Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson led Montreal with six points each, while Juraj Slafkovsky contributed three pivotal power-play goals. During the regular season, Buffalo and Montreal split their four meetings, with both teams showcasing their offensive talents. The NHL betting odds reflect the close nature of this matchup, with both teams listed at -110. Both squads feature inexperienced goaltenders in Alex Lyon and rookie Jakub Dobes, adding an unpredictable element to the series. Ultimately, while both teams are evenly matched, the Canadiens' recent defensive success gives them a slight edge heading into this highly anticipated matchup.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-05