Here are the latest headlines and developments on the Canadiens–Sabres matchup:
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Canadiens edge Sabres in overtime to extend their momentum: Mike Matheson scored 1:21 into overtime as Montreal defeated Buffalo 4-3, continuing a stretch of strong performances for the Canadiens. This result helps Montreal tighten its place in the playoff chase while Buffalo dropped a third straight game.[4]
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Recent head-to-head: The Canadiens have shown historically strong performances against Buffalo in recent meetings, including a series sweep last season where Montreal outscored the Sabres 21-11 over four games, suggesting Montreal often games well against Buffalo’s lineup.[2]
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Buffalo’s status heading into recent matchups: Buffalo had been hot at times but also dealt with fluctuations in form around late January, including losses that followed a string of decent results, which has impacted their standing in the Eastern Conference through the recent stretch.[1]
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Recent game results for context:
- January 31, 2026: Canadiens won 4-2 in Buffalo, contributing to a pattern of Montreal performing well in recent meetings.[5]
- January 15, 2026: Sabres won 5-3 in Buffalo, showing Buffalo can tilt the balance in a close, high-scoring affair, though Montreal has had success in other matchups this season.[8]
- March 3, 2025: Canadiens won 4-3 in overtime, a reminder that these games can be tight and decided in OT or late for Montreal.[4]
Key players to watch:
- Montreal: Cole Caufield (team-leading goals), Nick Suzuki (playmaking engine), Mike Matheson (overtime goal threat).[4]
- Buffalo: Rasmus Dahlin (offense from the back end) and Tage Thompson (top-line production) have been central to Buffalo’s scoring, though the team has faced turnover and line-shuffling in the current season.[4]
What to expect next:
- The series between Montreal and Buffalo tends to be competitive with high-event games, so expect another tightly contested matchup if they meet again soon, possibly with special-teams and late-game opportunities shaping the result.[2][4]
Would you like a quick scrollable summary of the most recent Canadiens–Sabres box scores or a short, side-by-side comparison of the two teams’ recent form? I can pull exact dates and scores if you want.[5][8]
Sources
If the Montreal Canadiens struggled against the Boston Bruins last season, the same cannot be said about the Buffalo Sabres. The Habs faced the Sabres four times last season and swept the season series with three regulation wins and an overtime one. In the four games, Montreal outscored Buffalo 21-11.
thehockeynews.comGame summary of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL game, final score 4-2, from 1 February 2026 on ESPN (UK).
www.espn.co.ukGame summary of the Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens NHL game, final score 5-3, from January 15, 2026 on ESPN.
www.espn.comGame summary of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL game, final score 4-2, from January 31, 2026 on ESPN.
www.espn.comGame summary of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL game, final score 4-2, from 1 February 2026 on ESPN (AU).
www.espn.com.auMONTREAL (AP) Mike Matheson scored at 1:21 of overtime to lift the surging Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night.
www.cbssports.comFresh off a sixth consecutive loss, the Montreal Canadiens will try to put an end to their slide by taking on the Buffalo Sabres in a Monday matinee.
thehockeynews.comCanadiens looking to snap two-game losing streak
www.nhl.comCANADIENS (30-17-7) at SABRES (31-17-5) 7 p.m. ET; NHLN, MSG-B, SNE, CITY, TVAS Canadiens projected lineup Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Alexandre Texier Juraj Slafkovsky -- Oliver Kapanen -- Ivan Demidov Josh Anderson -- Phillip Danault -- Brendan Gallagher Zachary Bolduc -- Jake Evans -- Kirby Dach Mike Matheson
www.nhl.com