Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Odds and NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 2 Picks for Today, 05/08/26

The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens will play Game 2 of their second-round series on Friday night. The Sabres won Game 1 by a score of 4-2. If you did not watch the game, the scoreline may make it seem like the Canadiens actually dominated the game, as they out-shot the Sabres 28-16. However, I expect the Sabres to have more pucks to the net in Game 2.

In the regular season, these were 2 of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL. The Sabres averaged 3.45 goals per game, while the Canadiens averaged 3.40. Game 1 showed us that despite a tighter game being played from both teams, goals still can be scored. We are still awaiting some goal scoring from Cole Caufield, a player who had 51 goals in the regular season. Including Game 1, the Canadiens and Sabres have met 4 times in total this season, and all 4 of those games have gone over the Game 2 total of 5.5 goals.

Look for the Sabres to come out with a stronger performance offensively, as they will not be able to win often with only 16 shots on net. I like the chances of Game 2 going over 5.5 goals once again. Give me the over in this one.

Canadiens vs Sabres Game 2 prediction: Over 5.5 (-120) available at time of publishing. Playable to -130.

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