The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are set to reignite one of hockey's most historic rivalries when they clash in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series on Wednesday night. For the Sabres, this matchup represents a monumental moment—their first series win since 2007, achieved by dispatching the Boston Bruins in six games. Meanwhile, the Canadiens earned their spot by outlasting the Tampa Bay Lightning in a thrilling seven-game series that saw momentum swing back and forth.

This marks the eighth postseason meeting between these two Original Six franchises, with Montreal holding a slight 4-3 edge in series history. However, the regular-season story tells a different tale: the teams split their four matchups, setting the stage for what promises to be a tightly contested playoff battle.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, where the Sabres enter as slight favorites. According to the latest odds, Buffalo is listed at -130 on the money line, meaning bettors would need to risk $130 to win $100. The total goals over/under is set at 5.5, reflecting the expectation of a competitive, low-scoring affair typical of playoff hockey.

For those looking to place bets, the SportsLine Projection Model—which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times—has been a reliable guide throughout the postseason. The model entered the second round with an impressive +668 return on top-rated money-line picks, making it a valuable resource for anyone following NHL betting advice at sportsbooks and betting apps.

As the Sabres look to build on their historic playoff run and the Canadiens aim to continue their gritty journey, Game 1 offers plenty of intrigue. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this series has all the makings of a classic.