NHL Predictions: January 15th Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

The Streak

The Sabres come into this game riding some crazy momentum. It was not a pretty start to the season for the Blue and Gold. They were 11-14-4 at one point. Since then, they have rattled off 14 wins in 16 games. They found a groove that worked for them and stuck with what Lindy Ruff was preaching since his return to Buffalo. They have guys stepping up on all ends of the ice. Part of those 14 wins was a 10 game win streak. And while that’s amazing, Sabres fans have seen this playout before, and it wasn’t pretty. In the 2018-2019 season, they rattled off an identical win streak. They then went on to drop out of the playoff race. Is this run for the Sabres legit? That’ll be the question they need to answer with one of the more difficult schedules remaining in the league.

Injuries

One of the more surprising things for Buffalo is they’re on this streak while not completely healthy. But last night’s game dealt a tough blow. Joshua Norris was injured late in the second period and did not return to the ice. He missed 26 games to start the season after being injured on opening night. Sabres fans will have their fingers crossed he’s ready to go tonight or at least won’t be out an extended period of time. The Sabres are still without Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins. The Sabres are also without goalie Alex Lyon.

The Canadiens have the benefit of having last night off. But they are not short on injuries themselves. Patrik Laine is still out, along with Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook. Both teams have guys stepping to the plate right now. They are doing enough to keep both teams competitive in a monster division as of late, and will need to continue to do so until players return.

Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction: Sabres 4 – Canadiens 1

The Sabres have turned it around, they’re on home ice, and desperate to be taken seriously in the NHL. Division wins earn you those three things, they don’t have to travel in part of this back to back. The Canadiens have some star power, but right now the Sabres are doing too well with guys stepping up. Josh Doan has neutralized offence with stellar backchecking and turned it onto offence. And Bowen Byram isn’t scared to get involved offensively either. That will be the difference in this game.

For the best bet for the Sabres, take Zach Benson to score in this game. Hs is playing on the top line with Alex Tuch and Thompson, he will likely be setup by one of them.

For the Canadiens, take Cole Caufield. He has 6 goals in 15 games against the Sabres, but he will be desperate to show off some goalscoring in front of Thompson. One of the players that kept him off of Team USA.

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