Buffalo dominated Boston with a +39 shot and +8 goal margin, while Montreal struggled against the Lightning, posting a -40 shot differential. The Canadiens were outshot 29-9 in Game 7 yet pulled off a win. Buffalo finished the regular season mid-pack in high-danger shots for and against, while Montreal was near the bottom with a -39 high-danger differential. Montreal relies on its power play, but Buffalo’s penalty kill is elite (4th in the league). Montreal is fatigued after its taxing Game 7 and tough travel back home. Buffalo's speed (3rd in NHL for bursts over 20 MPH), depth, fresher legs, and Alex Lyon's strong goaltending (1.14 GAA) provide an advantage. In contrast, Montreal’s Jakub Dobes ranks 30th in GAA, exposing their ongoing goalie issues.