Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 12/9/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

The Montreal Canadiens (11-11-3) are en route to KeyBank Center on Saturday where they will take on the Buffalo Sabres (10-14-2).

The Montreal Canadiens came out of this game feeling pretty good about themselves with a 4-2 victory against the Kraken in their previous game. Montreal compiled 4 mins in the box in this game. In addition, they had 1 opportunity with more players on the ice and were able to net 1 goal. The Canadiens had a good offensive output in this victory. In the matchup, they netted 4 of the 30 shots they launched.

When at even strength, the Canadiens have surrendered 62 goals while earning 54 themselves. Montreal Canadiens opponents have recorded 94 power play opportunities (2nd in hockey) and have a total of 25 goals in those attempts. With regard to their scoring capabilities, the Montreal Canadiens have notched 70 goals (25th in the league) so far this year and have surrendered 87. Montreal has attempted 711 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.9%. For the year, they have recorded 25 points and their points % is .500. The Canadiens so far have had 847 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .897. Montreal has 90 power play chances and they have notched 16 goals during those advantages, garnering them a rate of 17.78%.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Sam Montembeault. Montembeault has played in 114 games over the course of his NHL career. He has compiled an overall record of 39-48-13 and he was named the starter in 98 games. The opposition has scored 353 goals versus Montembeault in his pro career and his goals against average is 3.40. Montembeault has seen 3,441 shots against him and he has 3,088 total saves. His save percentage currently sits at .897 during his 6,222 mins guarding the cage. During his career on the ice, Montembeault has accrued 48 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is at .490.

When they took the ice last, Buffalo played the Red Wings in a matchup where the Sabres went home in defeat by a tally of 5-3. They had 5 power play opportunities in this contest and scored 2 out of those opportunities. The Sabres converted 3 goals of the 32 shots on goal they were seeking.

The Sabres have earned 62 goals at even strength and 12 goals (25th in pro hockey) while on the power play. Buffalo has attempted 758 shots (15th in the league) and has a shot percentage of 9.76%, while allowing their opponents 775 shots. Over the course of the season, the Buffalo Sabres have a total of 74 goals, 22 points, in addition to a points percentage of .423. They have permitted 90 goals to be scored by of a combination of 74 goals at even strength and 16 goals while they were shorthanded. They have a tally of 76 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play rate of 15.79%. They have a penalty kill percentage of 81.18% on their opponents 85 tries on the power play, and their save percentage currently sits at 88.4%.

Across the rink you will find Devon Levi protecting the net. He has a tally of 421 saves out of 473 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save % of .890. Levi has accrued a career mark of 8-6-1 and has participated in 16 games. He has started in 15 games and has racked up 928 minutes. Levi's percentage of quality starts is 46.7% and he has 7 quality starting assignments in his hockey career. Opponents are averaging 3.36 goals per game and he has relinquished 52 goals altogether.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Montreal

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