The Montreal Canadiens are set to clash with the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, January 31, in a pivotal matchup within the Atlantic Division. This game is generating significant interest as both teams look to strengthen their standings in the league.
In this game, Mike Matheson is expected to maintain his impressive form. The Canadiens’ defenseman has been experiencing a standout stretch, highlighted by a six-game assist streak and achieving over 1.5 shots in five consecutive games. Matheson currently ranks among the top defensemen in terms of shots taken, sitting in the eighth position since January 20. His average ice time of 24:46 per game is impressive, placing him ninth in the NHL and ensuring plenty of opportunities for him to add to his offensive contributions.
Moreover, Jakub Dobes has emerged as a reliable option in goal for the Canadiens, having recently earned victories against two strong teams: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche. Dobes has consistently delivered strong performances, comfortably surpassing his saves target in those matches. Fans are eager to see if he can achieve another win against the Sabres this weekend.
Captain Nick Suzuki is also on a roll, with 13 assists in his last 13 games, including eight assists in his last seven outings. His consistent play has been vital for the Canadiens, especially against Buffalo, where he has notched assists in all three matchups so far this season.
The Canadiens are looking to build on their recent success, having won six of their last ten encounters with the Sabres, including a strong run when they claimed victory in five consecutive games between November 2024 and October 2025.
Fans can catch the action at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, with the puck set to drop at 7:00 p.m. ET. The odds favor the Sabres slightly, with Montreal positioned at +110 and Buffalo at -130 on the moneyline. As the game approaches, hockey enthusiasts are anticipating an exciting showdown filled with potential for both teams to showcase their skills.