What's at stake

The game's result settles multiple single-game wagers: the moneyline, several over/under goal totals, and tiered puck-line margins for Buffalo.

Bets resolve based on which team wins, whether combined goals exceed 6.5/7.5/8.5, and whether Buffalo wins by two, three, or four-plus goals.

Who's in play

Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are the competing teams tonight.

Key figures include the starting goaltenders, top forwards on each team, special-teams units, and coaches who set matchup and deployment decisions.

What drives it

Starting goaltenders and their expected save percentages shift goal and puck-line probabilities sharply.

Penalty frequency, power-play success, team fatigue from travel or back-to-backs, and late injury news materially change both total-goals and margin outcomes.

What to watch

Look for official starting-goalie announcements and morning skate reports released before the game.

Also track lineup scratches, injury updates, pregame line movement, and special-teams availability; in-game penalties, early scoring, or an empty-net situation will quickly alter totals and puck-line odds.