The Montreal Canadiens (4-4) will face the Buffalo Sabers (5-2) in Game 2 of their second-round series on Friday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The Habs dropped Game 1, although the 4–2 scoreline was slightly favorable to the host Sabres, a team that had scored four goals on its first nine shots. That doesn't mean they didn't deserve to win the game, but there were some key factors that suggest Montreal might have better luck in Game 2.
The first line, in particular, had an encouraging game, which is important, as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski have had a very hard time making an impact at 5v5. And as we all know, a team without a functional first line is barely a team, especially in the playoffs.
With that in mind, we shouldn't overlook Suzuki's impact, as he currently leads the Canadiens with seven points in eight games.
Buffalo Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin on Habs captain Nick Suzuki:
"I think he's got the whole package. He can score, he's foul foul and he can play defense. He's just a legitimate first line center in this league, so he really definitely deserves that (Selke) nomination." pic.twitter.com/59feGVCZzC
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 8 May 2026
Montreal also received significant and regular offensive contributions from its depth players, which was a recurring theme in April and May. This certainly wasn't the case for most of the regular season, but fans certainly won't be looking a gift horse in the mouth at this point in the schedule.
Players like Kirby Dach, Alex Texier and Josh Anderson have done wonders to complement the goal output, including a stellar individual effort from Dach in Game 1.
Very good! What a goal from Kirby Dach! #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/S70CqWC9Fn
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 7 May 2026
Possible Lineup Changes
The Canadiens did not practice Friday or make their players available to the media.
Given that this is the playoffs, any changes to the lineup will have to be confirmed after the teams take the ice for pre-game warm-ups.
Head coach Martin Saint-Louis seemed quite satisfied with his team's performance in Game 1, suggesting there will not be any major changes in Game 2.
However, don't be surprised if he revises his third pairing and fourth line, with Jaden Struble potentially replacing Arbor Zekaj while Joe Velano makes way for Brendan Gallagher.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Coffield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkowski
Alex Newhook - Jake Evans - Ivan Demidov
Alexandre Texier - Philippe Danault - Josh Anderson
Zachary Bolduc - Kirby Dach - Joe Veleno*
Mike Matheson - Alexandre Carrier
Caden Guhle - Lane Hutson
Arbor Zekaj* - Noah Dobson
jacob dobbs
jacob fowler
Buffalo Sabers Projected Lineup
Peyton Krebs - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
Jason Zucker - Ryan McLeod - Jack Quinn
Zach Benson - Josh Norris - Josh Doan
Jordan Greenway - Tyson Kozak - Beck Malensteen
Rasmus Dahlin - Mattias Samuelsson
Bowen Byram - Owen Power
Logan Stanley - Connor Timmins
Alex Lyon
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
How to watch Hubs Vs. saber
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres, Friday, May 8, 2026, will be broadcast on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.
Additional NHL Playoff Analysis
