The 2026 NHL Playoffs are heating up! The Second Round kicks off tonight, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with an Atlantic Division clash as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Buffalo Sabres. Whether you are rooting for the Habs to continue their Cinderella run or for the Sabres to defend their home ice at KeyBank Center, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss. Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s matchup, including start times, TV channels, streaming options, and team statistics.
How to Watch the Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres on TV
Puck drop for Game 1 is officially scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Fortunately for hockey fans, this prime-time matchup is receiving full national coverage in both the United States and Canada.
USA TV and Streaming Options: Fans in the United States can watch the game live on TNT and truTV. If you prefer to stream the game cord-free, the broadcast will be available simultaneously on Max (formerly HBO Max).
Canada TV and Streaming Options: In Canada, the game will be broadcast nationwide. English-language coverage will be available on Sportsnet and CBC, while French-speaking viewers can catch the action on TVA Sports. Streaming is available via Sportsnet+.
Regional Blackouts Explained: During the regular season, regional blackouts restrict viewers from watching their local teams on national feeds if a regional sports network holds exclusive broadcasting rights. However, during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, regional blackouts are generally lifted for national broadcasts. You should be able to watch Game 1 on TNT, Sportsnet, or CBC without blackout interruptions, though local streaming restrictions on third-party apps can occasionally apply depending on your geolocation.
2025-26 Team Records, Stats, and Injuries
Both teams have had phenomenal 2025-26 regular seasons. The Buffalo Sabres captured the Atlantic Division crown, finishing with an impressive 50-23-9 record (109 points). They enter Game 1 riding high after closing out their First Round series with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Leading the charge for Buffalo are superstar Tage Thompson (81 points) and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (74 points). On the injury front, the Sabres are relatively healthy, though forward Josh Norris remains a game-time decision with an upper-body injury.
The Montreal Canadiens finished third in the Atlantic with a 48-24-10 record (106 points). They recently dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning in the First Round, capping it off with a gritty 2-1 win. Montreal is powered by their captain Nick Suzuki, who just registered a phenomenal 101-point regular season, and sniper Cole Caufield, who netted 51 goals. The Habs are currently dealing with a notable injury to defenseman Kaiden Guhle, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Game 1 Betting Odds & Score Prediction
The oddsmakers currently have the Buffalo Sabres as the home favorites with a moneyline of -130, while the Over/Under for total goals is set at 5.5.
Looking at these odds, I personally think taking the Sabres at -130 offers solid value. Playing at the KeyBank Center gives them an undeniable edge, and their power play has been lethal at home. However, the Under on 5.5 goals is where my money is going. With both goaltenders playing lights out this postseason, I foresee a tight, defensive battle where odd-man rushes are limited.
My prediction? A hard-fought 3-2 victory for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1.
For fans looking for more information on finding the Montreal Canadiens on TV today or checking out the complete Buffalo Sabres TV schedule, be sure to bookmark our page. You can also view the complete NHL point leaders 2025-26 season and enter our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website.
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