The Buffalo Sabres' dwindling playoff hopes hang in the balance as they head into Montreal to face the Canadiens, with the game set to drop the puck at 20:00 on May 16. While specifics on the teams' overall records and recent form are scarce, the eye test suggests Montreal's defensive structure could pose a significant challenge for Buffalo's offense, particularly if they can't find consistent scoring beyond their top lines.
The Canadiens' ability to shut down opponents' top talent, coupled with their goaltending performance, will likely play a crucial role in this matchup. For Buffalo, special teams could be a key area to focus on, as a strong power play or penalty kill could help swing the game in their favor. With the details on TV coverage and arena available on ESPN's event page, fans should tune in to see how these elements play out - and make your pick or join the discussion on StreakChat.