The Buffalo Sabres head into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday evening with a lead in the series after taking both opening games at home. Buffalo, the top seed in the Atlantic Division, defeated Montreal 4-2 in Game 1 on May 6. Specifically behind contributions from Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, Bowen Byram, and Jordan Greenway. This was showcasing strong special teams execution and defensive structure despite being outshot.
Following that was another convincing NHL betting victory in Game 2, building momentum heading into Montreal. The Sabres bring a balanced attack led by Rasmus Dahlin’s playmaking from the blue line. And then Zach Benson’s emerging offensive creativity, and solid goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Alex Lyon. Each has provided stability throughout the postseason. Their depth across forward lines and defensive pairs allows them to sustain pressure and capitalize on turnovers in a physical divisional rivalry.
The Canadiens enter their first home game of the series looking to ignite the Bell Centre crowd and claw back into contention. Correalte that Montreal relies on the dynamic play of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield’s finishing ability. Additionally, there is the rising impact of young defenseman Lane Hutson, along with rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, who has shown flashes of brilliance under pressure.
Overall, Montreal’s speed and transition game can create scoring chances quickly. But they have struggled for consistency against Buffalo’s structured defense and have needed to tighten up their own end to avoid giving up high-quality chances. The Habs have the talent to push back in front of their passionate fans, where home-ice energy often elevates their compete level.
Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Sunday, May 10, 2026, 7:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
The Buffalo Sabres visit the Montreal Canadiens for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Second Round playoff series on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The game airs on ESPN and is available via the ESPN app.
Buffalo Sabres Team Overview
At the core of their offshore betting success is captain Rasmus Dahlin, whose dynamic playmaking and skating ability. And offensive production from the back end makes him one of the league’s premier defensemen.
Forward Tage Thompson provides size, skill, and scoring punch as a top-line center. While Alex Tuch has been a standout in the postseason with physicality, net-front presence, and consistent production.
On the defensive side, the group features strong structure and puck-moving ability. With players like Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson providing size and shutdown capabilities that limit high-danger chances. Finally, in net, Alex Lyon has been exceptional in the playoffs, posting a high save percentage and showing composure under pressure.
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
At the beginning is center Nick Suzuki, the team’s captain and heartbeat. Correlate that he drives play with elite two-way instincts, vision, and leadership. While contributing key points in the postseason. Winger Cole Caufield brings elite finishing ability and speed, having posted a career-high goal total in the regular season. Additionally, Juraj Slafkovsky has developed into a powerful, physical force on the wing capable of dominating matchups with size and skill.
On defense, young standout Lane Hutson has been a revelation, showcasing exceptional skating, puck-moving, and offensive contributions from the blue line. Despite his smaller stature. In net, rookie Jakub Dobes has stolen the NHL betting spotlight with composure and highlight-reel saves. In particular, in the Game 7 clincher against Tampa Bay, his hot streak has been critical to the team’s survival.
SBG Free Picks
To summarize, Montreal performs well at home with passionate support pushing their pace and forecheck. And they have the talent to generate enough offense to keep games within a goal. Playoff games in Montreal tend to open up with end-to-end action and crowd influence. In turn, both teams have shown offensive capability when transition opportunities arise. The first two games featured solid scoring.
SBG Best Bet: Montreal Canadiens and Over the Total.