Sabres Aim for Series Lead Against Canadiens in Crucial Game 2 Showdown

A thrilling second-round matchup in the 2026 NHL playoffs unfolds on Friday as the Buffalo Sabres take on the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2. The Sabres secured a 4-2 victory in Game 1, with standout performances from Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, Jordan Greenway, and Bowen Byram, each contributing a goal. The game is set to start at 7 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The latest odds show the Sabres as the -136 favorite on the money line, while the over/under for total goals is set at 5.5. Before placing bets on this matchup, it's essential to consider insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has a successful track record in NHL betting. Sabres vs. Canadiens money line: - Sabres -136 - Canadiens +114 Over/Under: - 5.5 goals Puck line: - Sabres -1.5 (+180) The SportsLine model has simulated the game 10,000 times, predicting a strong likelihood for the Over on total goals. Historically, these teams have consistently combined for at least six goals, with Game 1 being the ninth consecutive meeting to do so. The Canadiens have cleared the total in 53% of their games this season, increasing to 54% on the road, indicating a high probability of an exciting, high-scoring affair. For those looking to make informed bets, the model suggests that one side of the money line presents significant value. Fans and bettors alike can check the full predictions and insights at SportsLine.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-08