Tag: Buffalo Sabres betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Buffalo Sabres at LA Kings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at LA Kings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (8-9-1) visit the LA Kings (10-6-3) Wednesday for a 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+) game at Crypto.com Arena. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Buffalo leads 1-0

The Sabres, who defeated LA 3-1 in their Oct. 10 season opener, are 4-2-0 over their last half-dozen games. That includes a 5-2 setback in their last game, which was Saturday at the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Kings have had 3 days off since their last game, a 4-1 home-ice triumph over the Detroit Red Wings Saturday. LA outshot Detroit 41-18 in that game. The Kings have held foes to just 22.9 shots per game since Oct. 29.

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Sabres at Kings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Sabres +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Kings -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-190) | Kings -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Sabres at Kings projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (6-4-1, 2.83 GAA, .903 SV%) vs. David Rittich (6-4-0, 2.52 GAA, .892 SV%)

Luukkonen missed Buffalo’s last 2 games due to an undisclosed injury. He last played Nov. 11 when he was pulled after 40 minutes and 4 goals allowed against the Montreal Canadiens. Luukkonen had clocked a fine .947 SV% over 4 previous November games.

Rittich had a shutout going until the 1:27 mark of the Saturday win over the Red Wings. He filed 17 saves against 18 shots in that game and owns a .932 SV% over his last 194 minutes.

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Sabres at Kings picks and predictions

Prediction

Kings 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

Buffalo is just 2-4-1 on the road, and its recent goal-scoring numbers are not supported by peripheral analytics.

LA is playing on 3 days of rest for the first time this season. In 2023-24, the Kings went 4-1-0, scoring 3.80 goals per game while allowing 1.40, in such situations. The Kings are stingy in giving up quality shots, and generating such has been a problem area for Buffalo of late.

BET LA (-155).

Puck line/Against the spread

The Kings are a lean, but so is the Under. This play, with its extra juice, has little or no value. PASS.

Over/Under

The Under has gone 6-3 across the last 9 Buffalo-LA meetings.

Both clubs have some shooting-percentage splits and expected-goal numbers that indicate they are likely too far out over their skis at current scoring averages.

Especially with LA’s style of play and the Sabres struggling to generate shots of late (23.4 per game in last 5), the UNDER 6 (-110) is the strongest value in this matchup.

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Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (1-3-0) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0) on Wednesday. Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Penguins odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Sbres won 2 of 3 in 2023-24

Buffalo got its 1st win of the season with a 5-2 victory Saturday over the Florida Panthers while covering as a -102 home favorite. RW Alex Tuch notched a goal and an assist as 5 Sabres scored.

Pittsburgh got back in the win column Monday with a 6-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens while covering as a -140 road favorite. C Lars Eller found the back of the net twice while D Matt Grzelcyk had 2 assists.

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Sabres at Penguins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 9:34 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-225) | Penguins -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Sabres at Penguins projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (0-2-0, 2.56 GAA, .886 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (1-1-0, 4.5 GAA, 8.66 SV%)

Luukkonen has allowed 5 goals in 2 games. Despite what his record shows, he has had a solid start to the season, saving 39 of 44 shots, however his offense has provided 1 goal in each of his starts. The 5th-year Sabres goalie has a career 2.97 GAA and .903 SV%.

Jarry has started the season slow and allowed 9 goals over 2 games. While the Penguins defense has struggled, so has Jarry. He has saved 58 of 67 shots this season. The 9th-year Penguins goalie has a career 2.71 GAA and .911 SV%.

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Sabres at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Sabres 3

Moneyline

BET PENGUINS (-130).

Pittsburgh has won 2 of its last 3 games, each on the road, and returns home on Wednesday. With the home crowd on its side and an attack that has produced 6 goals in 2 of its last 3 games, Pittsburgh holds the advantage. Buffalo has struggled to find its offensive groove early this season scoring 1 goal in 3 of its 4 games.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is value on the Penguins moneyline.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6 (-120).

The Sabres scored 5 goals in their last game and have allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of their 4 games. The Penguins have scored 6 goals in 2 of their last 3 games while allowing 3 or more goals in each of their 4 games this season. With 2 shaky goalies projected to be in net, take the Over.

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Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (0-1-0) meet the New Jersey Devils (1-0-0) Saturday at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia in Game 2 of the NHL Global Series. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (NHL Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Devils odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Devils lead 1-0

The Sabres took it on the chin in the opener, falling 4-1 behind G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The lone score came off the stick of D Owen Power midway through the 3rd period after the game was already pretty much decided.

Newcomer G Jacob Markstrom opened the season by making 30 saves on 31 shots in his team debut, earning the victory. Fellow newcomer RW Stefan Noesen opened the scoring, while RW Nathan Bastian (2 A), C Paul Cotter (1 G, 1 A) and D Johnathan Kovacevic (1 G, 1 A) were the 3 players who notched multi-point games.

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Sabres vs. Devils odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated Friday at 5:59 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Devils -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-185) | Devils -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Sabres vs. Devils projected goalies

Devon Levi (10-8-2, 3.10 GAA, .899 SV% in 2023-24) vs. Jake Allen (12-18-4, 3.44 GAA, .895 SV% in 2023-24)

Levi gets his 1st start of the season after serving as the backup Friday. He made 1 start and 1 relief appearance against the Devils in 2023-24, winning his lone start while making 45 saves on 50 shots in the 2 appearances.

Allen, the New Brunswick native, faced the Sabres 3 times last season, going 1-2-0 with a 3.04 GAA and .917 SV%. The last loss came in late March in Buffalo, as he allowed 3 goals, all to RW Tage Thompson, who ended up with an empty-net goal in the 5-2 win to give him 4 markers on the evening.

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Sabres vs. Devils picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Devils 3

Moneyline

The SABRES (+130) are worth a look as short ‘dogs in this rematch. Levi is a solid goaltender who could very well be a 1A goaltender for a lot of teams in the NHL. The same isn’t necessarily true for Allen, making the Devils (-155) a risky play in the rematch.

Remember, last time the Devils faced the Sabres with Allen in the crease, Thompson abused him for 3 goals. Could we see a redux?

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres +1.5 (-185) are too expensive on the puck line if you’d like a little bit of insurance just can’t bring yourself to back Buffalo straight up. It makes sense, as it’s early, and the Sabres looked pretty toothless offensively in the opener.

However, AVOID, and just play Buffalo straight up. The offense should look much better against the veteran Allen, who lost 2 of the 3 times he faced Buffalo last season.

Over/Under

OVER -6.5 (-105) is worth a look, but go lightly.

We have a battle of backup goaltenders, coupled with the fact each of these teams have done a lot of traveling after a grueling training camp. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the legs not quite there, especially on the back end, leading to more mistakes and high-danger scoring chances against the No. 2 tendies for both teams. That makes for a potential Over result.

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New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Jersey Devils take on the Buffalo Sabres Friday as part of the NHL Global Series. Puck drop from O2 Arena in Prague is set for 1 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Devils vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Devils won 2-1 last season

It’s finally hockey season! If you’ve been riding with us for a while, you know that means it’s time to make bank! If you have not, well, you have come to the right place for some cash register emoji fodder.

The Devils enter the season with a new coach, the best goalie they’ve had in years and high expectations. Sheldon Keefe comes over after a stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Devs pulled off a trade for stud goalie Jacob Markstrom from Calgary. With a full season of RW Timo Meier and the return to health for C Jack Hughes and RD Dougie Hamilton, the Devils are in position to make some noise.

The Sabres didn’t do much in the offseason besides add some 4th-line depth. They are banking on the progression of C Tage Thompson and C Dylan Cozens. Thompson scored 29 goals last year, but his season was cut short due to injury. Buffalo has young talent, but they’re not expected to contend in ’24-25.

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Devils vs. Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:10 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Devils -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Sabres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils -1.5 (+155) | Sabres +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Devils vs. Sabres projected goalies

Jacob Markstrom (23-23-2, 2.78 GAA, .905 SV% in ’23-24 with Calgary) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (27-22-4, 2.57 GAA, 910 SV% in ’23-24).

Markstrom is a monster at 6-foot-6 between the pipes. He was one of the best goalies in hockey in ’21-22 with a 2.22 GAA and .922 SV%, but he has fallen off the last couple of years. Now, part of that is the defense in front of him deteriorated. At 34, this is going to be his shot with this young group ready to come of age. He didn’t face Buffalo last year, but he faced it twice in ’22-23. He was pulled after allowing 3 goals on 12 shots in the first meeting and stopped 21 of 23 in a 7-2 victory in the other meeting.

Luukkonen is one of the more underrated goalies in the league. His 2.57 GAA last year ranked 9th in hockey. He also made 9.4 saves above expected, which was middle of the pack among starters. He faced the Devils in relief once last season and allowed 3 goals on 21 shots in 28 minutes of action.

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Devils vs. Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Devils 3

Moneyline

The Sabres went 5-1 in the preseason, and the Devils went 1-5. That means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme, but the Sabres have more continuity. The Devils traded for Meier at the trade deadline last year, and Hughes and Hamilton missed considerable action due to injuries. So they could struggle to find a rhythm.

With all of that in mind, on neutral ice, I look for the SABRES +125 to ride their preseason confidence to victory.

Puck line/Against the spread

Since we’re taking the value on the ML, skip the puck line. I’m targeting DOUGIE HAMILTON OVER 2.5 SHOTS ON GOAL (-140). Hamilton had 3+ SOG in 12 of his 20 games last season. This will be his first action since Nov. 28, and I look for him to be aggressive early.

Over/Under

The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these clubs. It may take some time for things to open up, but I expect a lot of power play opportunities and a lot of lamp lighting. These are a couple of younger, energetic teams, and they’ll put on a show.

Take the OVER 6.5 (+100).

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Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Washington Capitals (37-30-11) visit the Buffalo Sabres (37-37-5) Thursday evening. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Capitals vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Capitals snapped a 6-game losing streak with a 2-1 road win over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday. LW Alex Ovechkin and C Dylan Strome each found the back of the net for the Capitals in the 2nd period to give them a 2-0 lead, and a 3rd-period goal from Detroit was not enough to complete the comeback.

The Sabres have lost back-to-back games after falling 3-2 against the Dallas Stars Tuesday. RW Alex Tuch and D Rasmus Dahlin each scored for Buffalo in the 1st period, but a 2-goal 2nd period from Dallas proved to be too much to handle.

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Capitals at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Capitals +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Sabres -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-225) | Sabres -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Capitals at Sabres projected goalies

Charlie Lindgren (22-15-7, 2.78 GAA, .909 SV%, 5 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (26-22-3, 2.58 GAA, .910 SV%, 5 SO)

Lindgren has seen the most action for the Capitals this season and is middle of the pack in regards the NHL. His 22-15-7 record ranks 18th, his 2.78 GAA ranks 19th, and his .909 SV% is 17th. He is 9-8 with a 2.99 GAA on the road this season.

Luukkonen has seen more action than the Sabres’ other 2 goalies combined this season. His 26-22-3 record is 11th-best in the NHL, as is his 2.58 GAA. Like Lindgren, he also has 5 SO this season, which is tied for 3rd-most in the NHL. He is 14-11 with a 2.25 GAA on his home ice this season.

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Capitals at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline

BET SABRES (-135).

The Sabres play their best hockey on their home ice with a 20-19-1 record. They return home after a 2-game road trip, and they are 3-1 in their last 4 in Western New York. They have scored 15 goals in that span at home and given up just 9.

Washington has dropped 6 of its last 7, including 3 of its last 4 on the road.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

The odds are better on the Sabres moneyline.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6 (+100).

While the Capitals have not been hot on the offensive end, scoring 2 goals or fewer in each of their last 7, they have given up 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 5, including 4 or more in 3 of their last 5.

The Sabres have scored 13 goals in their last 4 games. They’ve also scored 3 or more goals in 5 of their last 9 games and 6 of their last 10.

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Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (4-5-0) play the first game of a home-and-home set with the Philadelphia Flyers (4-4-1) Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Flyers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres posted what is easily their best win of the season last time out, beating the Colorado Avalanche 4-0 on Sunday at KeyBank Center as heavy underdogs (+171) on home ice as the Under (7) cashed. Buffalo has managed a 1-2-0 record in 3 games on the road, suffering a 5-4 loss in New Jersey on Friday night.

The Flyers were on the short end of a 3-2 home loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night, and Philly has dropped 2 straight on home ice after winning its 1st 3 at WFC.

The road team has won 3 of the past 4 meetings in this series, including 2 of 3 last season, with the underdog cashing in 6 of the past 8 meetings overall. The Over is on an amazing 9-1 in the past 10 in this series.

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Sabres at Flyers odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres -111 (bet $111 to win $100) | Flyers -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-255) | Flyers -1.5 (+205)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -142 | U: +116)

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Sabres at Flyers projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (3-2-1, 2.72 GAA, .905 SV%) vs. Carter Hart (3-1-0, 1.33 GAA, .961 SV%)

Luukkonen turned aside all 23 of the shots he faced against the Avalanche on Sunday, and it’s hard to imagine Sabres coach Don Granato turning to Devon Levi (lower body) if he is ready. UPL has done a good job steadying things in the crease while Levi and Eric Comrie (lower body) have been on the shelf.

Hart kicked aside 29 of the 32 shots he faced against the Hurricanes last time out, but the offense provided him with just 2 goals of support, all in the 1st period. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his past 5 outings, and all 4 starts on home ice.

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Sabres at Flyers picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 3, Flyers 2

Moneyline

The SABRES (-111) are worth playing in the front end of the home-and-home set. The road team picked up 2 victories in 3 meetings last season, and Luukkonen is brimming with confidence after posting a shutout against the high-octane Avalanche last time out.

The Flyers (-108) have been quite consistent, with Hart alternating losses and wins in each of his past 4 starts.

While the Sabres are just 6-16 in the past 22 skates in Philly, Buffalo is a healthy 6-2 in the past 8 meetings overall in the series.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres +1.5 (-255) will cost you over 2 1/2 times your potential return if you would like a little insurance. That’s way too much risk for not enough reward. If you like Buffalo, or Philadelphia, for that matter, just play it straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+116) at plus-money is worth a look, although know you’ll be going against some serious trends.

The Over has cashed in 9 of the past 10 meetings in this series. The Over is also 3-1-1 in the past 5 games on the road for the Sabres, while going 9-4 in the past 13 when playing on 2 days of rest.

For the Flyers, the Over has hit in 4 in a row against the Atlantic Division, although there is a slight 5-4 edge to the Under overall this season.

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Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Colorado Avalanche (6-1-0) visit the Buffalo Sabres (3-5-0) on Sunday. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; teams split 2 games last season with each winning on the road.

The Avalanche lost 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. LW Jonathan Drouin and C Nathan MacKinnon each had 5 shots, but  Colorado was unable to find the back of the net and suffered its 1st scoreless game of the season.

The Sabres fell 5-4 to the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Four Sabres scored, including D Rasmus Dahlin,

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Avalanche at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:49 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -155 (bet $125 to win $100) | Sabres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+145) | Sabres -1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Avalanche at Sabres projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (6-1-0, 2.31, 91.8%) vs. Devon Levi (1-3-0, 3.26, 89.2%)

The 26-year-old Georgiev has started every game and ranks 1st among all goalies with 6 wins. He was 1-1 against the Sabres last year and has a 5-3 career mark against them with a 2.92 GAA.

Levi has started 4 of Buffalo’s 6 games. His 1-3-0 record ranks 37th overall while his goals allowed per game and 89.2% save percentage each rank 41st overall. The rookie made the jump to the NHL directly from the NCAA and has yet to prove himself.

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Avalanche at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Sabres 2

Moneyline

PASS.

While the Avalanche are coming off of a bad loss, it was their 1st of the season. They are 4-1 on the road. There is a distinct advantage for Colorado with Georgiev in the net. Buffalo is just 2-3 at home this season.

Puck line/Against the spread

LEAN AVALANCHE -1.5 (+145).

The Avalanche are 5-2 ATS this season and have outscored opponents 28-16, including a 17-12 goal differential on the road despite the 4-0 loss on Friday. This is an intriguing play and a good opportunity to profit.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-125).

The Avalanche have scored at least 4 goals in 5 of their 7 games this season and the Sabres have scored at least 3 goals in 5 of their 8 games this season. Both teams are coming off losses and will be looking to regain momentum early in this season.

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Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Montreal Canadiens (2-1-1) travel to meet the Buffalo Sabres (2-3-0) Monday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canadiens vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Canadiens have alternated wins and losses since the opener, which was the team’s only road game to date. Montreal fell 6-5 in a wild shootout loss in Toronto to open the season as the Over (6.5) easily cashed.

The Sabres will be playing their 5th home game of the season. Buffalo has split the first 4 games at KeyBank Center, winning 3-1 against the New York Islanders in the most recent skate at home on Saturday. The Under has cashed in 4 of 5 games overall, including 3-1 at home.

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Canadiens at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:41 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Canadiens +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Sabres -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canadiens +1.5 (-150) | Sabres -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Canadiens at Sabres projected goalies

Jake Allen (1-0-1, 3.34 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. Devon Levi (1-3-0, 3.26 GAA, .892 SV%)

Allen has had a flare for the dramatic in his 2 outings so far. He allowed 5 goals on 42 shots in the aforementioned 6-5 SOL at Toronto in the opener, while stopping 31 of 33 shots in a 3-2 OT win against Washington last time out on Saturday.

Levi coughed up 4 goals on 36 shots in a 4-3 loss against the Calgary Flames on Thursday in his most recent showing. He has started 4 of the team’s 5 games to date, allowing 10 total goals in 3 home starts.

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Canadiens at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Canadiens 3

Moneyline

The Sabres (-185) are a little on the pricey side, costing you nearly 2 times your potential return. That’s too much for a team which has basically been spinning its wheels this season, failing to gain traction one way or the other.

The Canadiens (+150) might be the better play, as the road team is 4-1 in the past 5 in this series, but Montreal has just been too inconsistent, too. Don’t bet just to bet, it’s a losing proposition.

AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

The CANADIENS +1.5 (-150) is worth playing lightly, as we could have a very close game. Montreal has needed overtime or a shootout in 2 of 4 games to date, with 3 of its 4 games decided by a single goal.

The Sabres -1.5 (+125) have also played 3 games decided by a single goal through 5 outings.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-125) is the lean, but again, go lightly.

The Under has cashed in 4 of 5 games for Buffalo, so you’ll be going a bit against the grain. However, Buffalo has allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of 5 games, while Montreal has yielded 15 goals through 4 outings. We should see plenty of lamp lightings.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-0) and Buffalo Sabres (0-2-0) meet Tuesday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning have stumbled out of the chute, and a big reason is that they’re missing their captain C Steven Stamkos and G Andrei Vasilevskiy. Stamkos is questionable to play, as he makes his way back from a lower-body injury, but Vasilevskiy is out until at least late November or early December.

Tampa has lost the first 2 games on the road trip in Detroit and Ottawa by a combined 11-6 score, and the Over is 2-0-1 this season.

Buffalo is off to a slow start, getting outscored 8-3 in a pair of losses to the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. The Sabres were expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, but it’s been more of the same futility so far.

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Lightning at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Sabres -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-250) | Sabres -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Lightning at Sabres projected goalies

Jonas Johansson (1-1-0, 4.09 GAA, .889 SV%) vs. Devon Levi (0-2-0, 3.55 GAA, .881 SV%)

Johansson is expected to do most of the heavy lifting until Vassy is healthy enough to return for the Lightning. He was decent enough against Nashville in the opener, allowing just 3 goals on 31 shots in the 5-3 win. However, he was snowed under in a 6-4 loss at Detroit, allowing 5 goals on 41 shots.

Levi had dominated down the stretch last season, and the hope was that he and the Sabres would have a hot start. It’s been the complete opposite, as he has allowed 7 goals on 59 shots. Facing a still dangerous Lightning offense won’t do him any favors.

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Lightning at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Sabres 3

Moneyline

The LIGHTNING (-110) are a value play on the road. These teams split the season series 2-2 in 2022-23, and that’s a big reason why the Lightning aren’t favored by more. But the Sabres (-110) just haven’t shown any signs of doing anything differently this season. They just haven’t found a way to win, and until they do, keep fading them.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return, if you need a little insurance and can’t bet Tampa Bay straight up. That’s too much risk and not enough reward.

AVOID, and just focus on the moneyline instead.

Over/Under

Over/Under 7 is not a recommended play, either. I think the total comes down right on the number.

With the way these teams have played early on, there is a slight lean to going high on the total. If you look to the ALTERNATE LINE – OVER 6.5 (-145), that’s not priced too much out of line.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres open their 2023-24 National Hockey League regular seasons Thursday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Rangers lost the 3-game season series to the Sabres in 2022-23, dropping 2 of 3 meetings. None of the matchups were able to be decided in regulation, and 4 straight in the series have needed either overtime or a shootout while 10 of the last 12 in the series have been decided by a single goal. The last time a team won by more than 1 goal in this series was a 3-1 win by the Blueshirts at MSG on April 27, 2021.

The Sabres figure to be much better this season, and they’re looking to snap the league’s longest active postseason drought. Buffalo has failed to make the playoffs in 12 straight seasons, last appearing seeing postseason action in 2010-11.

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Rangers at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:52 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Sabres +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+180) | Sabres +1.5 (-225)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Rangers at Sabres projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (37-13-8, 2.48 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO – 2022-23) vs. Devon Levi (5-2-0, 2.94 GAA, .905 SV% )

Shesterkin was actually better, statistically, on the road than at home last season. He was 17-4-0 with a 2.36 GAA and .920 SV% in 25 away starts, while going 20-9-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .913 SV% in 33 home appearances. He was 1-0-1 with a sparkling 1.42 GAA and .958 SV% in 2 starts vs. Buffalo.

Levi saw his first NHL action down the stretch last season, and his solid backstop play gave the team’s fans hope for the near future. He faced the Rangers in 2 of his 7 starts, going 2-0-0 with a 1.89 GAA and .934 SV%, allowing just 4 total goals on 61 shots.

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Rangers at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline

The SABRES (+110) are a solid value as short ‘dogs at home with Levi in the blue ice. He shut the Rangers down last season, and Buffalo should be a lot better both on both ends of the ice. Look for the Sabres to get off to a hot start behind a raucous crowd.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres +1.5 (-225) are a little on the pricey side, costing you more than twice your potential return should you decide you need a little insurance and you just cannot play Buffalo straight up.

It’s not a bad play, as 10 of the past 12 in this series have been decided by a single goal, and the past 4 meetings have ended up going to OT or SO. However, this is still quite expensive, so be careful. Personally, it’s too rich for me.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-105) might be the best play on the board. We already know what we have in Shesty, and he was strong against the Sabres last season. While hile the sample size is rather small, when it comes to Levi, he was hard on the Blueshirts down the stretch.

The Under has hit in 3 in a row in this series and is 7-3 across the previous 10 meetings.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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