Sabres vs. Canadiens prediction: Why Montreal is favored to win Saturday's NHL matchup [10/17/2026]

Using powerful machine learning and statistical analysis, we have re-simulated the result of Saturday's NHL game between the Sabres and Canadiens, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model currently gives the Canadiens a 54.3% chance of beating the Sabres. According to our model, the Sabres (+1.5) have a 66.8% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 53.2% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

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

• Puck Line: Sabres +1.5 (-194) / Canadiens -1.5 (+190)
• Moneyline: Sabres +130, Canadiens -133
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+100/-102)

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

Model picks and best bet

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

• Puck line: Sabres +1.5 @ 66¢ via Novig
• Moneyline: Sabres @ 44¢ via Novig
• Total: Under 6.5 @ 50¢ via Novig

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Sabres vs. Canadiens player props

Who will score a goal in Sabres vs. Canadiens?

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

Our projections give Caufield a 44.6% chance of scoring a goal at Bell Centre, while the star is a 9.6% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 40.0% probability
• Jack Quinn: 25.1% probability
• Josh Doan: 24.8% probability
• Noah Ostlund: 20.0% probability
• Josh Norris: 18.8% probability

Montreal Canadiens

• Cole Caufield: 44.6% probability
• Nick Suzuki: 33.1% probability
• Juraj Slafkovsky: 26.5% probability
• Chris Kreider: 21.8% probability
• Zachary Bolduc: 20.0% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 7.9% probability
• Jack Quinn: 4.5% probability
• Josh Doan: 4.5% probability
• Noah Ostlund: 3.9% probability
• Zach Benson: 3.4% probability

Montreal Canadiens

• Cole Caufield: 9.6% probability
• Nick Suzuki: 6.1% probability
• Juraj Slafkovsky: 4.6% probability
• Alex Newhook: 3.6% probability
• Chris Kreider: 3.5% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Saturday's matchup between the Canadiens and Sabres at Bell Centre is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
• Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Bell Centre

Conclusion

We predict the Canadiens, with a 54.3% win probability, will likely beat the Sabres in Saturday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.