Montreal, QC – As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face off against the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre tonight, hockey fans are eager to see how the projected lineups will play out. Both teams have faced their share of challenges early in the 2025-26 season, making this Atlantic Division matchup a critical test. The Canadiens, currently holding a 4-2-0 record, are looking to bounce back after their four-game winning streak was snapped by a 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the Sabres, with a 2-3-0 record, aim to extend their winning streak to three games.

Canadiens Projected Lineup

Martin St-Louis, the Canadiens' head coach, is sticking with the same forward lines that were deployed against the Rangers. The projected lineup is as follows:

• Forwards: Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky // Oliver Kapanen - Alex Newhook - Ivan Demidov // Zachary Bolduc - Joe Veleno - Owen Beck // Josh Anderson - Jake Evans - Brendan Gallagher.

Notably absent from the lineup are forwards Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach, both nursing lower-body injuries. Their absence creates opportunities for other players to step up and make an impact. Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Bolduc, Anderson and Gallagher will all be in the lineup after missing morning practice for rest.

• Defense: Mike Matheson - Noah Dobson // Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson // Arber Xhekaj - Alexandre Carrier.

The Canadiens' defense will need to be sharp against a Sabres team that has found its rhythm offensively in recent games. Kaiden Guhle is out with a lower-body injury, expected to keep him sidelined for 4-6 weeks.

• Goaltender: Jakub Dobes is slated to start in goal for the Canadiens.

Sabres Projected Lineup

The Buffalo Sabres have been juggling their lineup due to early-season injuries. Here’s how they are expected to line up:

• Forwards: Zach Benson - Jiri Kulich - Tage Thompson // Josh Doan - Ryan McLeod - Alex Tuch // Jason Zucker - Peyton Krebs - Jack Quinn // Mason Geertsen - Tyson Kozak - Josh Dunne.

Justin Danforth is out with a lower-body injury, opening the door for Mason Geertsen to get a longer look on the fourth line.

• Defense: Bowen Byram - Rasmus Dahlin // Owen Power - Conor Timmins // Mattias Samuelsson - Zach Metsa.

Jacob Bryson is in concussion protocol after a collision, so Zach Metsa is likely to draw into the lineup. The Sabres recalled forward Noah Ostlund and defenseman Zac Jones, but it is unclear if they will be in the lineup.

• Goaltender: It is not confirmed who will start in goal, but it may be Alex Lyon.

Storylines to Watch

• Canadiens' Injuries: With Laine and Dach out, how will the Canadiens' offense generate enough scoring?.
• Sabres' Special Teams: Buffalo’s special teams have been a catalyst for their recent success. The power play has surged to sixth in the NHL, and the penalty kill leads the league.
• Goaltending Matchup: Jakub Dobes will need to be sharp against a Sabres team that is finding its offensive stride.
• Young Talent: Keep an eye on the performances of young players like Montreal's Ivan Demidov and Buffalo's Josh Doan, who have been making significant contributions to their respective teams.

The Canadiens and Sabres game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on RDS, Prime, and MSG-B.