Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 1/15/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

The Buffalo Sabres (24-16-4) will compete against the Montreal Canadiens (26-14-7) at KeyBank Center on Thursday.

The Montreal Canadiens will look for better times on the ice after their 3-2 defeat to the Capitals in their previous outing. The Canadiens had a below average offensive performance in the loss. For the game, they were able to notch a goal on 2 out of the 26 shots they put on goal. Additionally, they had 4 chances with the advantage but weren't able to score. Montreal compiled 25 penalty minutes in this game.

Montreal Canadiens opponents have totaled 153 power play opportunities (3rd in pro hockey) and have racked up 31 goals in those chances. The Canadiens have had 1,278 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .883. Montreal has attempted 1,231 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 12.8%. When playing at even strength, the Canadiens have conceded 119 goals while earning 127 themselves. Montreal is sitting with 134 power play chances and they have tallied 30 goals out of those attempts, garnering them a rate of 22.39%. For the current campaign, the have a total of 59 points and their points percentage is sitting at .628. With regard to their scoring, the Montreal Canadiens have notched 157 goals (5th in the National Hockey League) over the course of the season and have given up 150.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Jacob Fowler. Fowler has participated in 9 games throughout his hockey career. He has amassed a win-loss record of 4-3-2 and he has gotten the start in 9 games. Opponents have tallied 22 goals versus Fowler in his professional career and his goals against rate is 2.44. Fowler has had 238 shot attempts taken against him and he has 216 saves. His save percentage is at .908 for his 22 mins in the crease. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Fowler has tallied 5 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .556.

When they were on the ice last, Buffalo faced off against the Panthers in a game where the Sabres were on the wrong end of the score by a mark of 4-3. They had 2 opportunities on the power play in this matchup but didn't put one in the back of the net. The Sabres tallied 3 goals of the 23 shots on goal they pursued.

The Sabres have tallied 117 goals at even strength and 23 goals (22nd in hockey) while on the power play. Buffalo has tried 1,245 shots (20th in the NHL) and has a shot percentage of 11.24%, while allowing the other team 1,310 shots. On the year, the Buffalo Sabres have 140 goals, 52 points, in addition to a points percentage of .591. They have allowed 138 goals to be scored by way of 120 goals at even strength and 18 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have a tally of 129 chances on the power play and they have a power play rate of 17.83%. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 84.75% on their oppositions 118 power play tries, and their save percentage is currently 89.5%.

Across the ice you will find Colten Ellis in net. He has a tally of 262 stops out of 291 shots taken against him, giving him a percentage of .900. Ellis has amassed a lifetime record of 5-4-0 and has played in 10 games. He has started in 10 games and has played 23 minutes. Ellis' quality start rate sits at 60.0% and he has earned 6 quality starting assignments in his professional career. Opponents are averaging 2.90 goals/game and he has conceded 29 goals in total.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take Buffalo

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