Sabres vs Canadiens: Both Teams Seek to End Slumps in Key Matchup
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens: Both Teams Look to End Slumps in Tuesday Night Showdown
The Buffalo Sabres (11-16-4) will attempt to end a three-game road losing streak when they take on the Montreal Canadiens (11-16-3) on Tuesday night at Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Both teams are struggling this season, sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and a win here could provide a much-needed boost to either squad’s morale.
Buffalo comes into this game fresh off a 5-3 loss to Toronto and has been slumping badly over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, the Canadiens also suffered a 4-2 defeat to Winnipeg and will be looking to recover from their recent slide. Montreal holds a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 meetings with Buffalo, adding a bit of historical edge to this matchup.
Buffalo Sabres: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Sabres have struggled defensively and have allowed a league-worst 3.32 goals per game, ranking 26th in the NHL. Their inability to tighten up defensively has been a major issue, contributing to a 10-game losing streak. Despite the struggles, Buffalo has shown some offensive firepower, averaging 2.94 goals per game, though they’ve often failed to convert on high-volume chances.
In their last outing, Jack Quinn scored twice, and Tuch added a goal in their loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the Sabres’ defensive woes were evident as Devon Levi allowed five goals, further extending his struggles. Levi, with a 3.97 GAA and .876 SV%, has yet to find consistency in net.
Buffalo will need to tighten up defensively and get a more solid performance from Levi if they are to snap their current slump and make a playoff push in the competitive Atlantic Division.
Montreal Canadiens: Searching for Defensive Improvement
Montreal, similarly, has been struggling defensively, giving up an average of 3.73 goals per game, the worst in the NHL. Their lack of defensive stability has plagued them throughout the season, and it was evident in their recent 4-2 loss to Winnipeg. Montreal’s offense hasn’t been much better, scoring 2.70 goals per game, and their lack of production has also been a major contributor to their underwhelming record.
In their last game against the Winnipeg Jets, Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson found the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Sam Montembeault stopped 23 of 26 shots in the loss. The Canadiens will rely on Montembeault, who holds a 3.01 GAA and .900 SV%, to find his rhythm in goal as they work toward breaking their own losing streak.
Conclusion
Both the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens have a lot to prove in this matchup, with both teams sitting near the bottom of the standings and struggling to find consistency. Buffalo’s offensive potential, led by Thompson and Tuch, gives them an edge, but their defensive woes and struggles in goal make them vulnerable. Montreal’s inability to stop goals has also held them back, but if Suzuki, Caufield, and Montembeault can find some form, they could challenge the Sabres on home ice.
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