The Canadiens are setting themselves up to lose by underestimating the Sabres' home-field advantage.

Some might argue the Canadiens have what it takes to pull off an upset, leveraging their defensive prowess and mental toughness honed from years of playoff battles. But let's be real: this isn't about skill alone; it’s about heart on ice when your back is against a wall.

If Montreal can’t adapt quickly enough, this could set off a chain reaction where their confidence wanes as they're repeatedly pushed back. They need more than just solid defense—they must find ways to neutralize the home crowd's impact or risk being swept under by an avalanche of cheers and jeers.

Tribalism will split fans down the middle: true believers who think Montreal can pull off a victory against all odds versus skeptics betting on Buffalo’s rabid fan base to turn this into another morale-crushing loss for visitors. The real question is whether any team, no matter how experienced or skilled, stands a chance in such an environment.