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Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens NHL Picks: Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 7 Odds, Preview & Picks (May 18)

Published May 18, 5:16am ET by

Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated May 18, 5:16am ET

Pick status
NHL Stanley Cup playoff action is set for May 18. Find the latest odds and our Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Game 7 picks here.

Credit: Shutterstock

Updated May 18, 5:16am ET

  • Buffalo Sabres forced a Game 7 with an 8-3 win on Saturday
  • Montreal Canadiens have won their last two games in Buffalo

There are few sporting events that garner more excitement than a Game 7 matchup in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Therefore, a fascinating series-deciding clash between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres on May 18 will be must-watch.

The Habs will be on the road for the series-deciding encounter, while the Sabres will have the home ice advantage following a stunning 8-3 win on the road over the weekend.

Sabres vs. Canadiens Overview Watch On: ESPN+

DATE & TIME

Monday, May 18 2026 @ 7:30 PM ET
Sabres
KeyBank Center, Buffalo
Canadiens
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Sabres -119
Canadiens +105

Sabres Hold The Aces in Playoff Decider

All of the pressure will be on the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, as they will have the home ice advantage at the KeyBank Center. However, it is worth noting that they have lost their last two home games against the Habs.

But, they showed their dynamic offensive quality in Game 6 to set up this thrilling final chapter, landing an 8-3 win in Montreal on Saturday. Rasmus Dahlin was in excellent form, registering four assists and a goal. Tage Thomas, Jack Quinn, and Jason Zucker also scored in the blowout win.

ALSO SEE: Preakness Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (May 16)

Habs Aiming to Maintain Road Record

The Montreal Canadiens missed a perfect opportunity to secure their spot in the conference finals on Saturday. However, plenty of positives will be taken from their excellent road record against Buffalo, winning on their last two trips to the KeyBank Center.

But, the Habs will need to put a disappointing recent defeat behind them, as they allowed three goals in each of the second and third periods to squander a 3-2 first period advantage. Jake Evans, Ivan Demidov, and Arber Xhekaj scored the goals in the loss.

Canadiens vs. Sabres Head-to-Head Record
TOTAL Canadiens Sabres DRAWS
Reguation WINS 302 136 144 -
GOALS 1792 904 888

Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens Picks

This is a fascinating game-deciding matchup in the playoffs. However, the Habs could be an interesting angle at the prices available after showing their offensive quality on the road already in this series.

Pick
Montreal Canadiens (+105)
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
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