Sabres Seek Sixth Straight Win as Canadiens Visit

Buffalo and Montreal, two of the NHL's hottest teams, face off in a key Atlantic Division matchup.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Buffalo Sabres, winners of five straight, host the Montreal Canadiens, who are coming off back-to-back wins over the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche. The Sabres have already defeated the Canadiens twice this month and are looking to continue their surge toward their first playoff berth since 2011.

Why it matters

This game features two of the NHL's biggest surprises so far this season. The Sabres, long one of the league's doormats, have emerged as a legitimate playoff contender, while the Canadiens have exceeded expectations with their strong start. The outcome of this divisional clash could have major implications on the Atlantic Division standings.

The details

The Sabres are led by a balanced offensive attack, with Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn, and Ryan McLeod all contributing in their recent wins. Goaltender Alex Lyon has been stellar, setting a franchise record with 10 consecutive victories. For the Canadiens, captain Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kirby Dach powered their recent victory over the Avalanche.

  • The Sabres and Canadiens have already met twice this month, with Buffalo winning both games.
  • The Sabres are currently riding a five-game winning streak.
  • The Canadiens are coming off back-to-back wins over the Golden Knights and Avalanche.

The players

Nick Suzuki

The captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Suzuki tallied two goals and an assist in the team's recent win over the Avalanche.

Alex Tuch

The Buffalo Sabres forward recorded a hat trick in their most recent victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

Alex Lyon

The Sabres' goaltender has set a franchise record with 10 consecutive wins.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, it feels great. Our division and the conference is super tight and every point is going to matter coming down to the stretch.”

— Nick Suzuki (Instagram)

“We had a good start from the first shift, we were making plays. ... It's a big win for us for sure, but now we have to focus on Saturday.”

— Juraj Slafkovsky (Instagram)

“So, for me. I'm just happy for the team. My goal coming into the season was to help win games and try to fight for that ultimate goal, and that's what's most important to me.”

— Alex Lyon, Goaltender (Sabres.com)

“We're coming in with a lot of confidence. Everybody's coming in trying to prove themselves, and we're trying to prove as a team that we're legit. We're not just gonna go for the playoffs, we're gonna go for the (Stanley) Cup, and that's our goal: get better each and every day.”

— Alex Tuch, Forward (Sabres.com)

What’s next

The Sabres and Canadiens will face off on Saturday, February 4th, with Buffalo looking to extend their winning streak to six games.

The takeaway

This matchup between the surging Sabres and the resurgent Canadiens showcases two of the NHL's most exciting teams this season. The outcome could have major implications on the tight Atlantic Division race as both clubs aim to secure a playoff spot.