The Montreal Canadiens have a pivotal opportunity to climb the standings on Thursday night as they visit the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. With a victory, the Canadiens can draw even for the top spot in the competitive Atlantic Division.
A High-Stakes Matchup in Buffalo
The game, scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop on January 15, 2026, will be broadcast on TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio 690, and 98.5 FM. The Canadiens enter the contest with a record of 26-14-7, while the Sabres are close behind at 25-16-4.
All eyes will be on Montreal's netminder, Jacob Fowler, who gets the start. Fowler will be looking for more offensive support from his teammates, as he has been on the wrong end of a shutout in two of his last three appearances.
The Surprising Surge of the Sabres
The Sabres present a formidable challenge, as they are in the midst of an impressive hot streak. Contrary to their recent history, Buffalo has been playing excellent hockey, posting an 8-2-0 record in their last 10 games. This surge has propelled them into a playoff position.
The team's turnaround notably began after a front-office shakeup that saw general manager Kevyn Adams relieved of his duties and replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen.
Canadiens Lineup Notes and Sabres Side Story
On the Montreal side, there are several key roster updates. Defenceman Kaiden Guhle is expected to return to the lineup after an absence. Additionally, forward Alexandre Texier will play his first game since signing a two-year contract extension with the club.
Off the ice, a fun note for fans: former Sabres goaltender Daren Puppa runs a highly active and wholesome Instagram account that has gained a dedicated following for its engaging hockey content.
For fans experiencing regional blackouts on TSN2 or RDS, alternative viewing options are available to catch the Canadiens' action from Ontario and Western Canada.
This crucial divisional battle promises high intensity as Montreal aims to solidify its status as a contender, while Buffalo looks to continue its surprising and successful run. Stay tuned for updates and highlights throughout the evening.
