Canadiens Emerging as Sabres' Biggest Atlantic Threat

NHL Canadiens Emerging as Sabres’ Biggest Atlantic Threat

By Ben Gale

September 8, 2026 • 9:02 PM EDT

Updated 4 hours ago

Canadiens Emerging as Sabres’ Biggest Atlantic Threat

Buffalo’s breakthrough last season turned heads across the Atlantic Division. They finished first, outplayed Boston in the first round, and finally gave Sabres fans a taste of real postseason action after years in the wilderness. But that celebration was cut short by the Montreal Canadiens, who bounced Buffalo in the second round. If you’re a Sabres backer looking ahead, Montreal’s rise is a real concern—and one you’d be wise not to underestimate.

Montreal’s moves this summer were minimal. For some teams, standing pat spells trouble, but for the Habs, it’s another sign of careful planning. General manager Kent Hughes hasn’t made flashy changes, but he’s put together a roster that’s more than the sum of its parts. Buffalo’s improvement in 2026-27 depends on getting past this very Canadiens team, who have become the division’s most promising up-and-comer.

So what should you expect from this rivalry? The seasons series told the story: Sabres and Canadiens split it 2-2-0 last season, with every matchup going to regulation. They’ll meet early and often in 2026-27, opening on October 13 and 17 in Montreal, then squaring off again twice in Buffalo before mid-January. Those early clashes in Montreal are especially big for momentum, and history suggests we’ll see a tightly contested season series once again.

According to Yahoo Sports, Montreal’s playoff edge over Buffalo last year came down to a few small margins—especially in net, where the Canadiens got key saves that Buffalo couldn’t match. The Sabres haven’t gone out and made big upgrades, and in fact, they’ve lost some major contributors in Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. Unless Buffalo’s youngsters make a leap, they’ll be underdogs in this matchup.

Key developments setting the tone

Buffalo broke a 15-year playoff drought by winning the Atlantic Division
Sabres edged Boston in the first round but lost to Montreal in the second
Montreal split the 2025-26 season series with Buffalo at 2-2-0
The Canadiens added Brett Berard and Sasha Pastujov on the wing, but made few other moves
Buffalo lost key pieces, notably Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram
Early and frequent Sabres-Canadiens matchups in the 2026-27 regular season
If the Sabres fall short again, expect more aggressive roster moves from GM Jarmo Kekalainen

Why the Canadiens matter for Sabres bettors

This isn’t just a classic rivalry with bragging rights at stake. Montreal is the main reason Buffalo’s long-term playoff ambitions hang in the balance. The Habs’ stability and lack of material changes don’t mean stagnation. It means they’re ready to keep pushing. If you’re betting Sabres futures, you’d better confidence-check Buffalo’s internal growth. Goaltending and finding answers for Montreal’s balanced roster will decide who advances when it matters most.

What to watch in the season series

Four Sabres-Canadiens regular season games: October 13, October 17 (both in Montreal), December 18, and January 18 (both in Buffalo)
Buffalo needs better goaltending to flip the playoff result
Internal development is crucial—losing Tuch and Byram without proven replacements is a risk
Montreal’s methodical build makes them favorites in the matchup, unless Buffalo takes a clear step forward
If Montreal eliminates Buffalo again, the Sabres’ roster could look very different for 2027-28

Key takeaways for bettors

Sabres’ playoff drought is over, but sustained success depends on beating Montreal
Canadiens have the roster stability and recent edge to trouble Buffalo again
Both teams split the season series last year, so expect evenly matched battles
Buffalo must compensate for key losses internally or risk falling behind
Montreal’s GM has quietly built a strong group—don’t underestimate that continuity
Early meetings in Montreal will be telling for season-long momentum
If Buffalo loses to Montreal for a second straight playoff, changes are likely ahead
Sabres bettors should monitor roster moves and young player development closely

Will history repeat, or will Buffalo break through?

The Sabres can absolutely flip the script, but Montreal’s experience, talent, and organizational patience pose a massive test. Right now, the Canadiens look like the team Buffalo must solve if the division is ever truly theirs for the taking. For bettors, that’s where your focus should stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Sabres finished first in the Atlantic Division, beat Boston in the first playoff round, but lost to Montreal in the second round, ending a long playoff drought.

Montreal made minimal moves, adding wingers Brett Berard and Sasha Pastujov, but otherwise kept their roster largely intact going into 2026-27.

They’ll play four times: October 13 and 17 (in Montreal), then December 18 and January 18 (in Buffalo).

Montreal eliminated Buffalo from the playoffs last year. These matchups could decide who controls the Atlantic and who faces pressure for major changes.

Buffalo must improve their goaltending and get internal growth from young players to make up for losing Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram.

A second consecutive loss could lead to a shakeup of Buffalo’s roster, with more aggressive moves in trades and free agency expected.

It was split evenly, with each team winning two games in regulation—illustrating just how close these sides are right now.