Overview
- The Canadiens will host the Sabres Tuesday at the Bell Centre with puck drop set for 6:30 p.m. ET and both clubs carrying subpar starts at 2-2-1 and 3-3-0 respectively.
- Jacob Fowler is slated for his third straight start after an immaculate performance in Montreal’s 1-0 win over Detroit that included stopping all six shootout attempts.
- Buffalo’s captain Rasmus Dahlin was hurt in the previous game, did not finish, and coach Lindy Ruff said he is unlikely to make the trip to Montreal.
- Montreal will be without top-pair defenceman Mike Matheson, promoting prospect Adam Engström into the lineup, while Kaiden Guhle’s return has coincided with an improvement in expected goals allowed.
- Buffalo’s goaltending remains a clear problem with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen at about a .812 save rate, Colton Ellis at roughly .864, and Alex Lyon still out, making special teams and defensive structure key factors to watch.