The line is short because Montreal is on the road and the Canadiens won't have superstar goalie Carey Price, who is ill.

Buffalo is a bad team, which is reflected in its 20-42 record in its last 62 home games. The Sabres are going to be missing their top offensive players, Jack Eichel and Kyle Okposo. Center Ryan O'Reilly isn't likely to play either.

The Canadiens are going to have a huge edge down the middle because of these missing Buffalo players. The Sabres may not be mentally ready either after witnessing Eichel go down screaming in pain during Wednesday's practice with a high ankle sprain.

The Canadiens will be going all out to prove they can win this season in games Price doesn't play. Their offense should be improved with Andrew Shaw joining Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk.