The hope of much of the hockey world has come to fruition as the Canadiens and Sabres have taken this series to distance. This is already the second game 7 for the Canadiens this postseason, and they hope to repeat their first round result. Meanwhile, the Sabres have done a great job getting back to Buffalo, but the pressure is at an all-time high in front of their home fans. This has the makings of a phenomenal game 7.
I have picked out my Canadiens vs Sabres Same Game Parlay picks for Game 7 on Monday, May 18, with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing. Also be sure to check out our NHL predictions for the game tonight and EVERY game throughout the playoffs.
Sabres win
Over 5.5
Josh Doan over 0.5 points
Canadiens vs Sabres Same Game Parlay odds: +340
Canadiens vs Sabres parlay pick: Sabres win
The margin of error in this game is razor thin. But what looks to give the Sabres a bit of a bit more appeal is their recent play and home-ice advantage. After losing 2 out of the first 3 games in this series, Buffalo has won 2 out of the last 3, an elimination game included. They didn’t just win the game that could have seen the end of their season, they dominated to the tune of an 8-3 win in which they outshot the Canadiens by 14. This team has proven resilient in these playoffs, and they have scored 14 goals in their last 3 games. If Buffalo can carry any semblance of their prior week form into tonight, they have a good chance.
In both the first round against Boston and this round against Montreal, Buffalo has shown the ability to stay in and win both high scoring games and low scoring games. With this now being their 7th home game of these playoffs, they have a better idea every game what to expect and how to manage adrenaline and expectations. The Sabres were the 4th best home team during the regular season, and have an opportunity to course correct from a few tough games at home recently. It will not be easy against this Montreal team. But Buffalo’s best players are playing well, they are scoring at a high clip, and have home-ice advantage in an elimination game.
Canadiens vs Sabres parlay pick: Over 5.5
This series has had a few games that have completely gone off the rails from what would otherwise be expected in a playoff game. The typical Stanley Cup playoff game is faster, tight checking, more cerebral, and has less mistakes than that of a regular season game. That has not as much been the case in this series. After the 11 combined goals scored in game 6, the average game total in this series is now up to 7.5 goals per game. That is not horribly surprising considering Buffalo’s average game total this postseason is 6.42. But even Montreal has been dragged into high-scoring affairs with now an average game total of 5.85 goals per game.
The over has now hit in 5 out of the 6 games played in this series as part of 6-3-1 over under record combining the regular season and playoffs. Obviously with the series knotted up at 3 games a side, including 1-2 respective home records, it has not mattered who wins or where the game is played. When the Sabres and Canadiens meet, totals climb. Even considering this is a game 7 in which players will do everything they can to not make a mistake, the over has a good look with the number at 5.5 goals. That has been the trend between these teams all season long, even in increasingly high-leverage games. The over 5.5 should be a decent addition to this parlay.
Canadiens vs Sabres parlay pick: Josh Doan over 0.5 points
What a season it has been for Josh Doan. Doan was somewhat of an afterthought in the trade between Utah and Buffalo that brought him over. But he has been the best, most valuable piece of the trade. The Sabres were one of the best teams in the league this year, and Doan was a key piece. The same has remained in the playoffs. He has 3 goals and 10 points in 12 games played this postseason which follows up a regular season in which he tallied 25 goals and 52 points. Doan has been especially strong in this series as his 10 points are made up of 7 points in the 6 games played against Montreal.
To no surprise, Doan has earned the right to play in high-leverage spots. The team needs him to be on the ice in those spots. He floats between the top 2 lines and is on the top power play. Every time Doan steps on the ice, he is out there with some combination of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch among several other fantastic Sabres players. In a do or die game, look for Doan to continue to be leaned on for his physical, reliable 2-way play which is also productive for the scoreboard. If this game goes like any of the 6 played prior, there will be plenty of chances for offense and Josh Doan will be right in the mix.
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