Odds, Predictions & Picks for the Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 7 on Monday, May 18

(AsiaGameHub) –   Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will decide the NHL Eastern Conference semifinals, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Sabres dominated the Canadiens with an 8-3 victory at Bell Centre on Saturday, tying the series at 3-3. Montreal now faces the challenge of securing a win on the road to advance.

DraftKings has Buffalo listed as a -118 home favorite, with a total set at 5.5. The moneyline handle is 61% in favor of the Sabres, while 66% of tickets are placed on them.

Best Bet: OVER 5.5 (-108)

Despite the typical tendency for teams to play conservatively in Game 7, these two sides have produced high-scoring contests over the last two games, combining for a total of 20 goals.

Additionally, every game in the series has gone OVER 5.5 goals, except for Game 4, which ended 3-2 in Buffalo’s favor. A combined 21 goals (averaging seven per game) have been scored across the three games played in Buffalo.

Buffalo’s goaltending has been inconsistent throughout the series, with the team alternating between Alex Lyon and Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. Regardless of who starts tonight, there’s a strong possibility that both could see action.

Cole Caufield has regained his scoring form for Montreal, finding the net in three of the last four games. Combined with the excellent performance of linemate Nick Suzuki (3 goals, 6 points against Buffalo), there’s a leaning toward a Canadiens victory in what is expected to be a high-scoring game.

Pick: OVER 5.5 (-108)

Best Player Prop for Montreal Canadiens

Nick Suzuki OVER 0.5 Assists (-140)

Nick Suzuki (pictured above) is Montreal’s primary playmaker, consistently setting up Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky in the offensive zone.

These three players also form Montreal’s top power-play unit, meaning Suzuki will have ample opportunities to record an assist.

Suzuki led the Canadiens with 72 assists during the regular season and recorded two assists in their Game 7 triumph over Tampa Bay in the opening round. His focus on passing makes this a favorable bet tonight.

Best Player Prop for Buffalo Sabres

Josh Doan OVER 0.5 Points (-115)

Josh Doan has been a standout performer in the series against Montreal. He entered Game 6 riding a five-game point streak before being held scoreless. We’re confident Doan will contribute again tonight.

Betting on both player props along with the OVER 5.5 in a same-game parlay offers +475 odds if all three selections hit. A $10 wager would yield $47.50 in profit plus the original stake upon success.