The Montreal Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabres tonight in Game 4 of their second-round NHL playoff series. Puck drop from the Bell Centre is set for 7 p.m. ET with live coverage on ESPN.
Montreal took a 2-1 series lead after beating Buffalo, 6-2, on Sunday. DraftKings is dealing the Canadiens as a -142 home favorite with a total of 6.5. 56% of the moneyline handle and 60% of the tickets are on Montreal.
Best Bet: Sabres vs. Canadiens (Montreal -142)
Montreal dominated Game 3, peppering Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon with 36 shots in front of a raucous home crowd at the Bell Centre.
The Canadiens are still waiting for significant production from Cole Caufield, who led the team with 51 goals in the regular season. That’s a scary proposition for Buffalo, which will look to split the games on enemy ice tonight.
Since losing the opening game in Buffalo, Montreal owns an 11-3 advantage in goals over the past two games. The Habs have now won consecutive games for the first time this postseason.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes has been sensational over the past two tilts, making a combined 54 saves for Montreal. Expect Nick Suzuki (pictured above) to extend his point-scoring streak to five games tonight as the Canadiens take a 3-1 series lead.
In addition to the moneyline play, consider a small toss on Montreal -1.5 goals on the puckline at +170.
Best Player Prop for Montreal Canadiens
Cole Caufield OVER 0.5 Goals (+160)
As mentioned, Caulfield has been quiet this postseason with just a pair of goals and six points through 10 games.
The due factor here works in our favor, as does Suzuki’s playmaking abilities. With both players skating on Montreal’s top line and power play, Caufield will enjoy some high-danger chances tonight.
He ranked second in the NHL in goals scored during the regular season, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon.
Best Player Prop for Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch OVER 0.5 Points (-120)
Like Caufield, Alex Tuch has underperformed in the playoffs. He’s yet to record a point against the Canadiens.
Tuch called Game 3 his “worst defensive game” of the playoffs.
Respect to him for owning it. Now’s the time to step up against a Montreal team intent on taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Despite his lack of productivity against the Canadiens, Tuch still leads the Sabres with four playoff goals. Expect a much better effort from the veteran tonight, and for Tuch to hit the score sheet with a goal and/or assist.
