The 2026 NHL Playoffs are heating up, and the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals continue tonight. If you are wondering how to catch the crucial playoff game #2 featuring the Montreal Canadiens at the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, May 8, 2026, we have you covered. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres TV Channel and Streaming Guide
Whether you are tuning in from the United States or Canada, there are plenty of TV and streaming options to watch the game live.
In the USA: The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT. Cord-cutters can stream the matchup live on the Max app (with the B/R Sports Add-On) or through streaming services like Sling TV and YouTube TV that carry TNT.
In Canada: Fans north of the border can watch the English broadcast on CBC and Sportsnet, while the French broadcast will be available on TVA Sports. Streaming is available through Sportsnet+ and the CBC Gem app.
Regional Blackouts Explained: During the NHL regular season, regional blackouts restrict viewers from watching out-of-market games to protect local broadcast rights. However, during the NHL Playoffs, regional blackouts are generally lifted for national broadcasts in both the US and Canada. As long as you have access to the national channels (TNT in the USA; CBC/Sportsnet in Canada), you will not be blacked out from watching Game 2.
Series Records, Last Game Results, and Playoff Updates
Taking a look at the current NHL playoffs team records, the Buffalo Sabres enter this game with a 5-2 postseason record after defeating the Boston Bruins in six games (4-2) during the first round. The Montreal Canadiens, currently sitting at a 4-4 playoff record, are coming off a grueling seven-game series victory (4-3) against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Buffalo Sabres currently lead this second-round series 1-0. In the last game result on Wednesday, May 6, the Sabres protected home ice with a 4-2 victory over the Canadiens. Buffalo’s Jordan Greenway, Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, and Bowen Byram all found the back of the net, while Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach responded for Montreal. Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon was spectacular, stopping 26 of 28 shots.
During the 2025-26 regular season, the leading scorers for the Montreal Canadiens were captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský. The Buffalo Sabres’ high-flying offense was anchored by Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch. On the injury front, Montreal is missing defenseman Kaiden Guhle (day-to-day, upper body), while Buffalo’s Mattias Samuelsson remains a game-time decision due to a minor lower-body strain.
When looking at tonight’s matchup, betting odds have Buffalo set as the home favorite at -135, with the Over/Under set at 5.5 goals. Personally, I’ve been analyzing this series closely, and my insight tells me that Montreal’s heavy forecheck will bounce back tonight. The Sabres relied heavily on Lyon’s goaltending in Game 1, but I think the Canadiens’ top line will crack the code.
I am taking the Over 5.5 and predicting a gritty 4-3 overtime victory for the Montreal Canadiens to tie the series before it heads to the Bell Centre.
If you are interested in finding the Montreal Canadiens on TV today, need the complete Buffalo Sabres TV schedule, want to see the final NHL point leaders 2025-26 season, or want to enter our online hockey pool for cash prizes, make sure to navigate to the homepage on my website!
