The matchup: This is the third of four meetings between these rebuilding Atlantic Division rivals and the Sabres captured the first two games at home, winning 5-1 on Oct. 14, and 4-1 on Nov. 26. The Canadiens are coming off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. There were 7.2 seconds remaining when Patrik Laine scored a power-play goal to hand the Canadiens their ninth consecutive loss, the team’s longest losing streak since the 1939-40 season. The Sabres, who are 13 points ahead of Montreal in seventh place in the division, should be well rested because they haven’t played since Thursday, when they dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Blue Jackets at home.
Time for The Hamburglar? This game could be the Canadiens debut for goaltender Andrew (The Hamburglar) Hammond. The 34-year-old journeyman was acquired Saturday in a trade with the Minnesota Wild, who received minor league forward Brandon Baddock in return. General manager Kent Hughes went shopping when it became apparent rookie Cayden Primeau needed more time to develop in the minors, and Sam Montembeault needs someone to share the workload. Montembeault was outstanding Saturday when he made 40 saves, but he’s playing with a painful wrist injury that might require surgery when the season is over.
https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/sabres-at-canadiens-five-things-you-should-know-feb-13