Injury Report & Game Preview: Sabres vs. Canadiens Set for January 22 Showdown
BUFFALO, January 22, 2026 – The Buffalo Sabres will look to extend their season-best four-game winning streak when they host the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Centre on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The game, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, will be a key Atlantic Division matchup as both teams navigate a crowded playoff picture.
Current Injury Landscape
The Sabres enter the contest relatively healthy, with only two players on the Injured Reserve list. Centre Josh Norris (ribs) and winger Justin Danforth (lower body) are the long-term absences. The only game-time decision is defenseman Michael Kesselring, who is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. The Canadiens, however, continue to deal with a significant injury list that has plagued them for much of the season. Key forwards Patrik Laine (abdomen), Alex Newhook (ankle), and Kirby Dach (foot) remain out long-term. Defenceman Kaiden Guhle (groin) is also on IR, while centre Jake Evans (lower body) is nearing a return.
Key Storylines & Team Outlook
The Sabres’ current run of form has been built on a renewed commitment to their defensive identity. Forward Beck Malenstyn highlighted the team’s connection and speed, noting a significant reduction in time spent in their defensive zone. “We’ve looked really connected, really fast,” Malenstyn said. “We’re not spending a lot of time in our D zone, we’re playing that transition game, we’re holding onto pucks in the offensive zone, putting them under pressure.”
This success has been complemented by strong special teams play. The Sabres’ power play has scored in six of their last seven games, operating at a 30.4% clip. Their penalty kill has been perfect during the three-game winning streak, including a crucial 4-on-3 kill in overtime against Calgary.
Montreal, conversely, arrives in Buffalo mired in a six-game winless streak (0-5-1). Their defensive struggles have been pronounced, allowing a league-worst 4.07 goals per game this season. The Canadiens’ offence, led by Cole Caufield’s 10 goals (tied for fourth in the NHL), will need to find its rhythm against a confident Sabres squad.
Key Facts & Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Information | Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens |
| Date & Time | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Location | KeyBank Centre, Buffalo, New York |
| Sabres’ Record (Streak) | 26-17-5 (5th in Atlantic) | 4-Game Winning Streak |
| Canadiens’ Record (Streak) | 26-15-7 (3rd in Atlantic) | 6-Game Winless Streak (0-5-1) |
| Sabres’ Key Story | Extending a three-game winning streak built on physicality, special teams, and timely saves. |
| Canadiens’ Key Story | Halting a six-game slide where they have allowed an average of 4.07 goals per game. |
| Sabres’ Power Play (Last 7 GP) | 30.4% (7-for-23) | Scored at least one PPG in six of seven games. |
| Sabres’ Penalty Kill (Streak) | Perfect 10-for-10 over the three-game winning streak. |
| Canadiens’ Goals Against Avg. (Season) | 4.07 (Highest in the NHL) |
Player Spotlight: Tage Thompson
Sabres forward Tage Thompson enters the game on a three-game goal-scoring streak. His 10 goals this season are tied for fourth in the NHL, just one off the league lead shared by Nikita Kucherov, William Nylander, and Sam Reinhart. Thompson has scored nine of his goals at even strength, which is tied for second in the league behind Kucherov’s 10.
Montreal’s Injury Report
The Canadiens’ injury woes are significant. In addition to the long-term absences of Laine, Newhook, Dach, and Guhle, the team will be without forward Josh Anderson (upper body) and defenceman Mike Matheson (upper body), who are both listed as day-to-day. Centre Jake Evans (lower body) is also nearing a return but is not expected to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sabres vs. Canadiens game start?
The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Where can I watch the game on television?
The game will be broadcast nationally on TSN2 and RDS in Canada, and on MSG-B in the Buffalo regional market.
What is the current status of Patrik Laine?
Montreal winger Patrik Laine (abdomen) is on injured reserve but has been practicing in a non-contact jersey. He is not expected to return until after the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begin in early February.
Who is the game-time decision for the Sabres?
Buffalo defenseman Michael Kesselring (ankle) is listed as day-to-day and will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s contest.