A pivotal Game 6 in the 2026 NHL playoffs unfolds Saturday as the Buffalo Sabres visit the Montreal Canadiens, who lead the series 3-2. After the Sabres took the opening game, the Canadiens rallied back, winning three of the next four, including a decisive 6-3 victory in Game 5.

The match is set to commence at 8 p.m. ET at Bell Centre in Montreal. Current odds favor the Canadiens at -172 on the money line, while the Sabres are positioned as the underdogs at +143. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5.

Before placing any bets, it is crucial to consider insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. This model has shown a +668 return on top-rated money-line NHL picks throughout the playoffs, proving its reliability for bettors.

Key betting insights include:

• Money line: Canadiens -172, Sabres +143
• Over/under: 6.5 goals
• Puck line: Canadiens -1.5 (+152)

In the model's simulations, the outcome leans towards the Under on total goals, with three previous games in the series yielding six or fewer goals. Notably, the model anticipates only Cole Caufield of the Canadiens to score more than 0.50 goals in this matchup. Goalies Jakub Dobes and Alex Lyon are projected to make 21.4 and 21.8 saves, respectively, indicating a tight defensive battle.

In summary, according to the model, six total goals are expected, making the Under the preferred betting choice at a 57% value. For comprehensive picks and predictions, bettors are encouraged to consult the SportsLine insights.