Both the Canadiens and Sabres appear much improved. This spot, though, sets up well for Montreal. Buffalo just went a surprising 3-2 on its five-game Western road trip that lasted for 10 days. The Sabres concluded their journey by beating the Kings, 5-1 on Saturday, and the Ducks, 4-2, on Sunday. This is their first game back home.

Buffalo is 0-6 the past six times when not having played for three or more days.

Montreal is playing well, too. Only once have the Canadiens lost in regulation in their eight games. Backup goalie Antti Niemi is scheduled to get the start. I'm fine with that. Montreal is 2-0 the two times Niemi has been in goal.

The Canadiens swept all four meetings with the Sabres last season and are 4-1 during their last five visits to Buffalo.