Canadiens vs. Sabres prediction: Close contest projected after new data released for Thursday's NHL matchup [1/15/2026]

The Buffalo Sabres will face the Montreal Canadiens, in what is expected to be a tight NHL game, at KeyBank Center on Thursday, commencing at 7:00 PM ET.

Based on updated simulations, Dimers' advanced NHL model gives an equal chance for both both teams to win the Canadiens-Sabres matchup.

This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's Canadiens vs. Sabres matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.

Habs vs. Sabres prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using powerful machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Canadiens and Sabres 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model currently can't split the two teams, giving both the Canadiens and Sabres a 50% chance of winning the game.

According to our model, the Sabres (+1.5) have a 71% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 53% chance of staying under.

Canadiens vs. Sabres odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Canadiens	Sabres
Puck Line	-1.5 (+200)	+1.5 (-225)
Moneyline	-125	+105
Total	o6.5 (-102)	u6.5 (-118)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Canadiens vs. Sabres picks and best bet

After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

Bet Type	Pick	Bet Now
Puck Line	Sabres +1.5	-225
Moneyline	Sabres	+105
Total	Under 6.5	-118

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Sabres +1.5 at the spread.

Canadiens vs. Sabres player props

Who will score a goal in Canadiens vs. Sabres?

According to our model, Tage Thompson is most likely to score an anytime goal in Canadiens vs. Sabres.

Our projections give Thompson a 43.7% chance of scoring a goal at KeyBank Center, while the star is a 9.4% chance of registering the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Montreal Canadiens

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Cole Caufield	29.6%
Nick Suzuki	28.9%
Alexandre Texier	27.4%
Oliver Kapanen	26.7%
Ivan Demidov	25.7%

Buffalo Sabres

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Tage Thompson	43.7%
Alex Tuch	33.9%
Jason Zucker	25.7%
Josh Doan	22.5%
Jack Quinn	21.2%

First goal scorer predictions

Montreal Canadiens

Player	First Goal Probability
Nick Suzuki	5.2%
Cole Caufield	5.1%
Oliver Kapanen	5.0%
Alexandre Texier	5.0%
Ivan Demidov	4.7%

Buffalo Sabres

Player	First Goal Probability
Tage Thompson	9.4%
Alex Tuch	6.8%
Jason Zucker	4.7%
Josh Doan	3.7%
Jack Quinn	3.5%

Habs vs. Sabres game-day updates and essential details

Thursday's matchup between the Sabres and Canadiens at KeyBank Center is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres
• Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: KeyBank Center

Conclusion

We predict a close game between the Canadiens and Sabres on Thursday, with each team having a 50% chance of winning.

AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Canadiens vs. Sabres insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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