Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction for Sunday May 10 2026
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The Buffalo Sabres will travel to face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM with television coverage available on ESPN. Montreal enters this matchup as a -122 moneyline favorite, while Buffalo is listed at +102. The total for the game is set at 5.5 goals with the over priced at -130 and the under at +110. On the puck line, Buffalo is +1.5 at -245 while Montreal is -1.5 at +200. The series is currently tied 1-1 heading into this pivotal Game 3 matchup. Get in on all the NHL action early with our free NHL Picks.
Previous Game Recap
Montreal recently earned a convincing 5-1 victory over Buffalo in Game 2 to even the series at one game apiece. The Canadiens controlled the pace throughout much of the contest, building a 2-0 lead in the first period before extending the advantage during the second and third periods. Buffalo struggled to consistently generate offensive pressure while Montreal capitalized on its scoring opportunities and received strong goaltending throughout the game.
Montreal received strong offensive production across multiple lines during the victory. Alex Newhook scored two goals and finished with a plus-two rating, while Nick Suzuki added a goal and four shots on net. Phillip Danault and Jake Evans each recorded assists, and the Canadiens also received goals from Alexandre Carrier and Mike Matheson. Jakub Dobes delivered an outstanding performance in net by stopping 28 of 29 shots and finishing with a .966 save percentage.
Buffalo’s lone goal came from Zach Benson, who also recorded four hits during the game. Josh Doan contributed an assist, while Alex Tuch led the Sabres with six shots on goal. Buffalo finished with 29 shots overall but struggled to solve Montreal’s goaltending consistently. Alex Lyon stopped 23 of 27 shots in net for Buffalo and finished with an .852 save percentage during the defeat.
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Sabres Looking to Respond on the Road
Buffalo enters Game 3 with a 50-23-9 overall record and a 24-13-4 road record this season. The Sabres recently lost to Montreal 5-1 after previously recently won over Montreal 4-2 in Game 1. Before this series, Buffalo recently won over Boston 4-1, recently lost to Boston 2-1 in overtime, and recently won over Boston 6-1. The Sabres have won three of their last five games overall despite the lopsided defeat in Game 2.
Buffalo is averaging 3.45 goals per game while allowing 2.93 goals against per contest. The Sabres are producing 28.1 shots per game while allowing 29.1 shots against. Buffalo has also recorded 48 power-play goals with a 19.5 percent success rate while operating at 81.9 percent on the penalty kill.
One major strength for Buffalo entering this matchup is offensive balance and scoring consistency throughout the season. The Sabres hold a slight edge in goals scored per game while also posting strong road numbers overall. However, Buffalo will need a stronger defensive effort after allowing five goals in Game 2.
Canadiens Return Home With Momentum
Montreal enters this matchup with a 48-24-10 overall record and a 24-15-2 home record this season. The Canadiens recently won over Buffalo 5-1 after previously recently lost to Buffalo 4-2 in Game 1. Before this series, Montreal recently won over Tampa Bay 2-1, recently lost to Tampa Bay 1-0 in overtime, and recently won over Tampa Bay 3-2. Montreal has now won three of its last five games overall entering Game 3.
The Canadiens are averaging 3.40 goals per game while allowing 3.06 goals against per contest. Montreal is producing 26.3 shots per game while allowing 27.8 shots against. The Canadiens have also recorded 56 power-play goals with a 23.1 percent conversion rate while operating at 78.2 percent on the penalty kill.
One key advantage for Montreal entering this matchup is special teams production. The Canadiens own the stronger power play entering Game 3 and recently showed strong offensive execution in the 5-1 victory. Montreal also enters with momentum after controlling large portions of Game 2 from start to finish.
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick
- Pick: Montreal Canadiens Moneyline
Montreal enters Game 3 with momentum after a dominant 5-1 victory in Game 2 and now returns home where the Canadiens posted a solid 24-15-2 record this season. Montreal also holds the edge on the power play and received excellent goaltending in the previous game. Buffalo has been strong offensively throughout the year, but the Canadiens controlled the flow of Game 2 and appear to have regained confidence heading back to Bell Centre.
Total Pick
- Pick: Over 5.5
The over looks appealing here considering both teams have shown offensive upside throughout the postseason and regular season. Montreal scored five goals in Game 2, while Buffalo averaged 3.45 goals per game during the season. Both teams also own power plays capable of producing offense quickly, and recent games involving these clubs have shown the potential for scoring bursts.
Final Score Prediction: Montreal Canadiens 4 – Buffalo Sabres 3
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