Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, October 23

Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Monday
• Moneyline: Canadiens (+154) | Sabres (-185)
• Puck Line: Flames +1.5 (-150) | Sabres +1.5 (+120)
• Total: Over 6,5 (-130) | Under 6.5 (+105)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. See other NHL sportsbooks for more betting opportunities.  

My Pick: Montreal Canadiens (MTL)

This Monday is a busy day in sports. Two conference championship games could finish in the MLB and Monday Night Football comes on. The most interesting game in the East Coast, however, is set for the divisional matchup in the NHL between the Montreal Canadiens (2-1-1) at the Buffalo Sabres (2-3).

The Canadiens are coming off a 3-2 win in overtime over the Washington Capitals after a quick goal from right-wing Cole Caufield, his third of the season. Caufield and center Alex Newhook have scored three goals in four games this season. Left-wing Tanner Pearson and center Sean Monahan have scored two goals. These four players have scored 10 of the Canadien's 13 goals this season. 

The Sabres are coming off a big 3-1 win at home over the New York Islanders. Buffalo is starting to find a rhythm of consistently scoring as the Sabres average three goals per game. While the Sabres don't have a dominant scorer, they have several players who are efficient in setting their teammates up for goals. Buffalo has accounted for 23 assists in five games this season with five coming from Rasmus Dahlin. 

Sabres goalie Devon Levi is off to a rough start to the season as he is 89.2% of saves in four games played. He has allowed 13 goals this season. The Sabres as a team has accounted for 41 blocks in five games this season. 

Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (89.2% of saves) is projected to start. Montreal has 44 blocked shots in only four games with 13 coming from defender Mike Matheson.