The Montreal Canadiens are struggling, having lost six consecutive games, while the Buffalo Sabres are on a winning streak, recently defeating the Calgary Flames. Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis has shuffled his lines, promoting Juraj Slafkovsky but facing criticism for not reuniting effective combinations.
As they prepare for their matchup, goaltender Cayden Primeau will start against the Sabres, hoping to turn around his team's fortunes. Meanwhile, Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is enjoying a strong season, contributing to the Sabres' success.
The historical rivalry sees the Canadiens holding a slight edge in their all-time series against the Sabres, but Buffalo has won the last two encounters decisively.
