The Ottawa Senators (17-23-9) visit the Atlantic Division-rival Buffalo Sabres (22-20-7) Tuesday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Senators-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Senators at Sabres: Projected starting goalies
Craig Anderson vs. Carter Hutton
Anderson gave way to Marcus Hogberg against the New Jersey Devils Monday in the first game out of the all-star break. The veteran netminder is 0-4-1 over his last five starts with at least four goals allowed in each game. He has a .897 save percentage and 3.32 goals against average through 22 games.
Hutton has been equally bad for the Sabres this season. He is 6-7-4 through 17 starts with a .892 SV% and 3.34 GAA. He hasn’t been credited with a win since Oct. 22.
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Senators at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Sabres 6, Senators 3
Moneyline (ML)
The Senators (+170) lost 4-3 in a shootout to the New Jersey Devils Monday, while the SABRES (-208) will play their first game since Saturday, Jan. 18. The head-to-head series is split 1-1. The Sabres won 4-2 at home Nov. 16, while the Sens responded with a 3-1 home win Dec. 23.
Buffalo is 14-6-3 at home for the season and Ottawa is just 5-15-4 on the road. Side with the Sabres and their home and rest advantages.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Sabres to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $4.81.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The projected goaltending matchup makes this selection a little dicey with plenty of goals expected for both sides, but I’m rolling with the SABRES (-1.5, +125) to win by at least 2 goals at plus-money. Buffalo is 29-20 against the spread overall and 13-10 on home ice. Ottawa is 26-23 ATS overall but just 11-13 on the road.
Both games between the two rivals this season were decided by multi-goal margins.
Over/Under (O/U)
The easiest choice Tuesday is the OVER 6.5 (+135) on the alternate Over/Under. The base line is set at 5.5 at a costly -154 price point. Neither starting goaltender inspires any confidence, and the Sabres will have star LW Jeff Skinner back in the lineup Tuesday to boost their scoring potential. The two teams will be combining for at least 7 goals Tuesday.
Esten’s NHL betting record: 183-170
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