Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Game Preview and Lineup

Image credits: NHL.com @NHLdotcom

The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are set to face off in a crucial matchup, with the Canadiens looking to claw their way back into the playoff picture. The game is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on MSG-B, SNE, CITY, and TVAS. The Canadiens will be without center Kirby Dach for the rest of the season after he underwent surgery on his right knee, while the Sabres will be missing forward Jason Zucker due to a lower-body injury.

The projected lineup for the Canadiens includes Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky on the first line, with Alex Newhook, Owen Beck, and Patrik Laine on the second line. The defense will feature Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier, as well as Lane Hutson and Jayden Struble. Jakub Dobes will get the start in goal, with Sam Montembeault serving as the backup. The injuries to key players will be a significant factor in the game, as the Canadiens look to overcome the loss of Dach and other players.

The Sabres, on the other hand, will have JJ Peterka, Ryan McLeod, and Tage Thompson on their first line, with Jordan Greenway, Dylan Cozens, and Alex Tuch on the second line. The defense will feature Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin, as well as Mattias Samuelsson and Owen Power. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will get the start in goal, with James Reimer serving as the backup. The Sabres will be looking to take advantage of the playoff aspirations of the Canadiens, and secure a win in front of their home crowd.

The following are the projected lineups for both teams:

• Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Juraj Slafkovsky
• Alex Newhook -- Owen Beck -- Patrik Laine
• Josh Anderson -- Christian Dvorak -- Brendan Gallagher
• Emil Heineman -- Jake Evans -- Joel Armia
• Mike Matheson -- Alexandre Carrier
• Lane Hutson -- Jayden Struble
• Arber Xhekaj -- David Savard
• Jakub Dobes
• Sam Montembeault

The game is a crucial one for the Canadiens, who are currently five points back of the final wild-card spot with three games remaining before the NHL trade deadline. A win against the Sabres would be a significant step towards getting back into the playoff picture, and the team will be looking to come out strong and secure a victory. The Canadiens will need to be at the top of their game, using their speed and agility to outmaneuver the Sabres and secure a win.