The Montreal Canadiens are set to clash with the Buffalo Sabres at Bell Centre, aiming to build on their recent 4-3 victory against the Dallas Stars. The Canadiens finished a seven-game holiday road trip on a positive note, and the top line of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield played a pivotal role in the success. This trio not only controlled the majority of shots and expected goals but also contributed two goals to secure the win.
Slafkovsky, the 2022 first-overall pick, showcased his improved form with two goals and five assists in the last six games. Despite being credited with only one assist against the Stars, his impact on three different scoring plays was evident. The 19-year-old winger’s 6’3” frame has proven valuable on the forecheck, creating turnovers and providing his linemates with additional time and space. While Caufield acts as the sniper and Suzuki as the playmaker, Slafkovsky’s physical presence adds a crucial element to the top line.
Josh Anderson (in white) on ice for #Habs morning skate after leaving game in Dallas in third period with what looked like a lower-body injury #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/kBouCjay1O
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) January 4, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, forward Josh Anderson, initially believed to be facing significant time off due to a leg injury, was seen participating in practice. Anderson had limped down the tunnel at the end of the Stars game, unable to put any pressure on his leg. This unexpected return to practice raises hopes for his swift recovery. Another positive note was the presence of forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard at practice, although he is not expected to play against the Sabres.
Switching focus to the Buffalo Sabres, the team finds itself in a familiar position of underachievement. Despite having talented players such as Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, the Sabres currently occupy the seventh spot in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Canadiens by three points with one game in hand. Casey Mittelstadt leads the team in scoring with 10 goals and 21 assists, closely followed by Dahlin with 10 goals and 19 assists. Jeff Skinner has been a standout performer for the Sabres in recent games, contributing three goals and two assists in the last five matchups.
RHP on the ice this morning with Montembeault pic.twitter.com/9oMOO6cD3z
— Bryan Mudryk (@BryanMudryk) January 4, 2024
Buffalo, a city that has witnessed sports disappointment, sees its NHL team continuing to struggle. While the NFL’s Bills have shown improvement, the Sabres’ underperformance has become a recurring theme.
As for injury updates, the Canadiens are dealing with a list of setbacks, including Carey Price, Chris Wideman, Kirby Dach, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Alex Newhook, Tanner Pearson, and Christian Dvorak. On the Sabres’ side, Kyle Okposo is listed as out.
The matchup between the Canadiens and Sabres is poised to be a significant game for both teams, with Montreal seeking to capitalize on recent successes and Buffalo aiming to overcome their underwhelming performance and climb the division standings.
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