Games / NHL / Dec 18, 2026

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres: stats, injuries and matchup preview

The Montreal Canadiens (11-3-4) visit the Buffalo Sabres (8-6-3) on Friday, December 18, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET, at KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY. TV: Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu. Below: injuries, recent form, a team comparison and matchup notes for Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens.

NHLFriday, December 18, 2026

Montreal Canadiens11-3-4

7:30 PM ETDec 18, 2026

Buffalo Sabres8-6-3

DateDec 18, 2026

Time7:30 PM ET

VenueKeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY

TVDisney+/ESPN+/Hulu

Team comparison

Montreal CanadiensBuffalo Sabres

Goals per game

3.4

2.9

Goals allowed per game

3.1

3.4

11-3-4Record8-6-3

2nd in Atlantic DivisionStanding6th in Atlantic Division

6-2Road record / home record4-5

LWWLWLast 5LWLWW

L1StreakL1

Team stats

Montreal CanadiensBuffalo Sabres

Goals Against Average

3.12

3.29

Shots Against per Game

28.3

27.1

Penalty Kill Percentage

78.3

71.2

Power Play Goals Against

Short Handed Goals Against

Goals For per Game

3.47

2.94

Shots per Game

27.6

28.4

Power Play Goals

Power Play Percentage

15.4

14.3

Short Handed Goals

Penalty Minutes

200

158

Injury report

Confirm lineups and injuries close to game time.

Montreal Canadiens

Ivan Demidov RW · Ankle - Fracture

Injured Reserve

Mike Matheson D · Lower Body

Out

Sam Montembeault G · Lower Body

Injured Reserve

Bryce Pickford D · Undisclosed

Injured Reserve

Lucas Condotta LW · Undisclosed

Injured Reserve

Buffalo Sabres

Alex Lyon G · Shoulder

Injured Reserve

Konsta Helenius C · Upper Body

Out

Justin Danforth RW · Upper Body

Injured Reserve

Matt Grzelcyk D · Lower Body

Injured Reserve

Recent form

Montreal CanadiensLWWLW

Nov 10, 2026 · vs Minnesota WildL 1-2

Nov 7, 2026 · at Toronto Maple LeafsW 4-2

Nov 5, 2026 · vs Utah MammothW 5-4

Nov 3, 2026 · vs Winnipeg JetsL 4-5

Oct 31, 2026 · vs Pittsburgh PenguinsW 5-4

Buffalo SabresLWLWW

Nov 8, 2026 · vs Vegas Golden KnightsL 1-4

Nov 6, 2026 · vs Columbus Blue JacketsW 5-2

Nov 4, 2026 · vs Ottawa SenatorsL 1-2

Oct 31, 2026 · at Los Angeles KingsW 3-2

Oct 29, 2026 · at Anaheim DucksW 7-6

Season series

MTL leads series 2-0

Jan 18, 2027MTL 0, BUF 0

Dec 18, 2026MTL 0, BUF 0

Oct 17, 2026BUF 3, MTL 4

Oct 13, 2026BUF 3, MTL 4

Team pages

Montreal Canadiens
Schedule, roster and stats

Buffalo Sabres
Schedule, roster and stats

More NHL games on Dec 18, 2026

Chicago Blackhawks4-13-1

Ottawa Senators11-6-2

1:00 PM ET
CHSN

Nashville Predators8-4-5

New York Rangers10-8-1

7:00 PM ET
Scripps Sports, MSG2, MSGSN

Detroit Red Wings7-8-3

Philadelphia Flyers5-10-5

7:00 PM ET
NBC Sports Phil, DSN

Seattle Kraken9-6-1

Pittsburgh Penguins6-10-2

7:00 PM ET
KONG, Prime Video (Local)

Anaheim Ducks10-7-1

Minnesota Wild13-3-4

8:00 PM ET
KCOP, Prime Video (Local), MINNHL, KSTP

Carolina Hurricanes14-3-2

Colorado Avalanche11-6-2

9:00 PM ET
CARNHL, Altitude Sports

New York Islanders7-6-4

Vegas Golden Knights12-5-2

10:00 PM ET
MSGSN, Scripps Sports

Frequently asked questions

What time is Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres?

The game is on Friday, December 18, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET at KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY.

How can I watch Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres?

TV: Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu.

What are the records of the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres?

Montreal Canadiens: 11-3-4. Buffalo Sabres: 8-6-3.

Who is injured for Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres?

Listed out or doubtful: Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, Mike Matheson, Sam Montembeault, Bryce Pickford. Buffalo Sabres: Alex Lyon, Konsta Helenius, Justin Danforth, Matt Grzelcyk. Check the injury report above for the full list, and confirm close to game time.

Where is Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres played?

KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY.

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Independent analysis for information and entertainment. Not betting advice. Scores, schedules, records and injuries can change.