Buffalo Sabres betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (11-15-4) meet the Toronto Maple Leafs (18-10-2) Sunday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Maple Leafs odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 in 2023-24

The Sabres were doubled up 4-2 in Washington Saturday, slipping to 0-6-3 in the past 9 games. The total pushed, and the Under is now 6-4-2 in the past 12 outings.

Buffalo is 1-4-0 in the past 5 games when playing on no rest, while the Under is 3-1-1.

The Maple Leafs also played Saturday, and they were also doubled up 4-2 in Detroit in an Original Six battle behind Joseph Woll. The Leafs are just 2-3-0 in the previous 5 outings, while the Under is 5-1-1 in the past 7 contests.

In the second end of a back-to-back, the Leafs are 3-2-1 with the Over-Under splitting 3-3.

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Sabres at Maple Leafs 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 6:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Sabres +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Maple Leafs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-150) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Sabres at Maple Leafs projected goalies

James Reimer (1-3-1, 3.58 GAA, .879 SV) vs. Dennis Hildeby (1-1-0, 4.03 GAA, .869 SV%)

Reimer is expected to face his former team in the second end of this back-to-back. He allowed 5 goals on 31 shots in a 6-5 shootout loss Monday against the Detroit Red Wings his last time out in his third start since coming over from the Ducks. He allowed 4 total goals on 52 shots in his first 2 starts.

Hildeby is likely to get the starting nod with Anthony Stolarz battling a lower-body injury and Joseph Woll having started in Detroit Saturday. Hildeby was tagged for 6 goals on 38 shots in his most recent appearance Oct. 22 in Columbus.

Sabres at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 3

Moneyline

The Maple Leafs (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s a little too expensive for the second end of a back-to-back with the third-string goaltender in between the pipes.

However, the Sabres (+165) also cannot be trusted, as Buffalo has managed a dismal 0-6-3 in the past 9 outings.

PASS.

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Puck line/Against the spread

While the SABRES +1.5 (-150) are 0-6-3 in the past 9 games, Buffalo has lost 6 of those games by a single goal. It has been right there, but just can’t get over the hump.

The Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125) is too risky, as there is plenty of concern with Hildeby in between the pipes. The Toronto offense will need to kick it up a notch, and that won’t be easy against the veteran Reimer.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

With Reimer is in the crease coming off a stinker, he is a good play. And Hildeby was hammered last time he appeared in the NHL, losing at Columbus. We should see plenty of fire-wagon hockey in T-Dot.

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NY Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’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 (14-12-1) travel upstate to battle the Buffalo Sabres (11-13-4) Wednesday. Puck drop from the KeyBank Center is scheduled for shortly after 7 p.m. ET (TNT / truTV / Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Sabres lead 1-0

The Sabres took the first matchup this season 6-1 as +172 underdogs Nov. 7 at Madison Square Garden with the Over (6.5) hitting. Rangers G Igor Shesterkin was pulled in the second period after already allowing 5 goals on 12 shots.

Both clubs hover around .500 and aim to halt losing streaks.

The Rangers enter on a 2-game slide, recently falling 2-1 as big -235 home favorites to the Chicago Blackhawks Monday. Shesterkin stood tall with 30 saves on 32 shots but was outdueled by Chicago G Arvid Soderblom, who stopped 29 of 30 shots.

Meanwhile, the Sabres are on a 7-game skid, recently suffering a 6-5 shootout loss as -127 home favorites vs. the Detroit Red Wings Monday with the Over (6.5) cashing. It was a tough one for Buffalo, which led 3-2 after the first period and 5-3 after the second. LW Jason Zucker scored 2 goals in the loss.

Both teams feature a skater worth watching for goals. Rangers LW Artemi Panarin and Sabres RW Tage Thompson are tied for eighth in the NHL with 15 tallies.

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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 of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:21 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Sabres +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+170) | Sabres +1.5 (-210)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Rangers at Sabres projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (9-10-1, 2.95 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (8-7-3, 2.82 GAA, .902 SV%, 1 SO)

Shesterkin’s tough-luck loss against the woeful Blackhawks marked the third time in 4 games that he only gave up 2 goals. He lost 3 of those games and has sustained an ‘L’ in 6 of his past 7 contests.

The Russian has faced 633 shots, the second-most in the league behind Nashville’s Juuse Saros’ 668. Shesterkin ranks third with 576 saves; Saros has 608 and Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck is second at 583. Shesterkin’s woes can significantly be blamed on a dormant Rangers offense and a defense in transition following Friday’s trade of D Jacob Trouba to Anaheim.

Luukkonen resides in a similar letdown spot, having fallen victim to a Sabres club that allows him to face pepperings continuously. He allowed 5 goals in his last start — against 28 shots — in a 5-2 home loss to Utah Saturday.

The Finn is 0-3-2 in his past 5 games, carrying just a .882 SV% in that window. Compared to Shesterkin’s 6.3 goals saved above expected (13th, per Moneypuck), Luukkonen has significantly lagged at 1.5 (T-30th), so this presents a mismatch.

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Rangers at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

A more competent Rangers attack would reward Shesterkin’s form. Though the score doesn’t produce optimism over how much they will score to support their netminder, the Rangers will hit their stride post-Trouba trade.

BET RANGERS (-140).

Puck line/Against the spread

Despite their weak record, Buffalo has overperformed for betting purposes, leveling at 14-14-0 on the puck line.

The score prediction posits the Sabres to lose by just a goal, but this shouldn’t prompt bettors to pounce on Buffalo’s bland -210 PL juice.

PASS.

Over/Under

Given their bouts with inconsistent goaltending, both squads sit at .500 or better on the total. New York at 13-13-1 O/U, while Buffalo is 14-10-4.

However, Shesterkin has thrived on the road so far this season (2.42 GAA/.930 SV%, compared to .331/.895 SV% at Madison Square Garden).

His luck will turn, though the scatterbrained Rangers forecheck likely won’t overperform on offense to the extent that justifies laying the wood on the Over.

BET UNDER 6 (-110).

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Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Detroit Red Wings (10-13-4) take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-13-3) Monday. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Red Wings vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Wings haven’t gotten off the ground much of late as they’ve lost 5 in a row. The latest was a 2-1 home loss as +171 underdogs to the Colorado Avalanche Saturday. LW Lucas Raymond scored his 10th goal for Detroit’s only tally. The Red Wings have dropped back-to-back 2-1 games, losing at the Ottawa Senators Thursday as +160 underdogs. Detroit hasn’t been favored in its last 9 games, going 3-4-2 with the Under going 6-3.

The Sabres have left an equally intrusive poo pile on the runway of late, losers of 6 straight. They dropped their Saturday game 5-2 as -114 home favorites to the Utah Hockey Club. RW Tage Thompson had no points and a single shot on goal after putting 3 in the net in the previous 2 games. Buffalo did win 3 in a row before its current 6-game slide. The Under is 5-3-1 in its last 9 games.

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Red Wings at 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 at 3:56 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Red Wings +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Sabres -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Wings +1.5 (-225) | Sabres -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Red Wings at Sabres projected goalies

Ville Husso (0-4-2, 3.39 GAA, .884 SV%) vs. James Reimer (1-3-0, 3.29 GAA, .890 SV%)

Husso’s numbers don’t look great, but he has been solid in his last 2 starts. He stopped 30 of 32 against Ottawa and 23 of 25 against Colorado in the consecutive 2-1 losses to playoff-caliber teams. He hasn’t faced Buffalo since 2022-23 when he stopped 30 of 36 in an overtime home loss.

Reimer hasn’t seen action since Nov. 30, when the Sabres fell 3-0 at the New York Islanders. The 36-year-old vet stopped 17 of 19 in that defeat. He has 2 starts since Halloween, going 1-1-0 with a 2.05 GAA and .923 SV%. Riemer, who played for the Red Wings last season, last faced Detroit in 2022-23 when he went 0-1-1 with a 4.57 GAA and .836 SV% in 2 starts with the San Jose Sharks.

Red Wings at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 5, Red Wings 3

Moneyline

The Wings have won 4 of the last 6 head-to-head meetings dating back to December 2023. This season, the Wings won in their building 2-1 Nov. 2, and the Sabres won at home 5-3 Oct. 26. Red Wings C Dylan Larkin scored both goals Detroit’s win; Thompson had 2 goals in the Sabres’ victory.

I don’t love paying -125 for Buffalo when this game is more of a pick ’em. The Sabres are the correct side, though, and Reimer gives the Sabres the slight advantage in goal.

TAKE SABRES (-125).

Puck line/Against the spread

This feels like a Dylan Larkin kind of game. He hasn’t scored a goal in 6 games, and he has just 5 shots on goal (SOG) in the last 3. However, in the 2 games against Buffalo this season, he took 4 shots when he scored twice in the win and took 5 shots in the 5-3 loss. BET DYLAN LARKIN OVER 2.5 SHOTS ON GOAL (-155).

Over/Under

The Wings are 4-6 O/U in their last 10, and Buffalo is 4-5-1. When these teams meet, though, the Over is 7-3 in the last 10, dating back to 2022. The same can be said when they breathe in that Buffalo air as the scores have been 5-3, 7-3, 5-3, 6-3 and 8-3 in the last 5.

TAKE OVER 6 (-120).

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Winnipeg Jets at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Winnipeg Jets (18-8-0) take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-12-2) Thursday evening. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Jets vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Jets won 2-0 last season

The Jets have lost 4 straight games and 5 of 6 after falling 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues Tuesday as -211 home favorites. C Mark Scheifele scored the only goal, which was his 13th of the season. He’s going through some sort of injury, though, because he’s playing the wing instead of center to take stress off his upper body. LW Kyle Connor, who had scored in 4 straight against St. Louis, has been held scoreless in 6 straight games.

The Sabres took it to the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday, but someone must’ve forgot to tell them the game is 3 periods long. They got up 4-0 in the first and wound up losing 5-4. It was their fourth straight loss. RW Tage Thompson scored his 12th and 13th goals in the game, and G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was great, stopping 36 of 41.

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Jets at 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 at 11:28 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Jets -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Sabres +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Jets -1.5 (+180) | Sabres +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Jets at Sabres projected goalies

Connor Hellebuyck (15-5-0, 2.16 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (8-6-2, 2.69 GAA, .906 SV%, 1 SO)

The Jets could go with backup Eric Comrie here. They have a back-to-back Saturday and Sunday, and it makes sense to stick with their horse here and rest him either Saturday or Sunday. Hellebuyck has been good, but beatable at times. He has allowed 3+ goals in 5 of 8 starts, allowing 3 on 21 shots against St. Louis last time out. He stopped 26 of the 28 he saw against Buffalo in a win last year.

The numbers don’t look great, giving up 9 goals in his last 2 starts, but Luukkonen did all he could trying to withstand the Avalanche Tuesday night. He stopped 36 of 41, and the team seemed to relax in front of him after going up 4-0. He hasn’t faced the Jets the last couple of years.

Jets at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

This Winnipeg team started out 15-1. Now, they’re not that good, but they certainly aren’t this bad. They get back into the win column despite what they do in goal here. I’m frankly surprised Buffalo’s coach still has a job after getting a 4-0 lead, which caused the other team to change goalies, and losing 5-4.

Take the JETS -135.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres are 27th in the league with 9.8 penalty minutes per game, and they’re 15th with an 80.2% kill. So they take a lot of penalties and are so-so at killing them.

That’s where Connor comes in. He had a sure-thing goal against St. Louis, and G Joel Hofer made a highlight-reel blocker save. He pushed off the right post and slid to his left to stone Connor. His goal drought ends Thursday night.

Take KYLE CONNOR ANYTIME GOAL +135.

Over/Under

Buffalo is 5-4-1 O/U in its last 10, and Winnipeg is 2-8. The Over is just 1-8-1 in the last 10 meetings. Now, that’s deceptive because we have only had one 5.5 total. So there is risk involved here, but I like the UNDER 5.5 (+100) unless Comrie gets the start. If that happens, the line will jump to 6 – so be patient here.

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Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Colorado Avalanche (13-12-0) take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-11-2) Tuesday evening. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Avalanche vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; tied 1-1 last year

The Avs have dropped 3 of 4 after a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers Saturday as -124 favorites. C Nathan MacKinnon‘s goal-scoring drought has reached 10 games. He has 7, 5 and 10 shots on goal the last 3 games – so he’s trying.

The Sabres have lost 3 straight games and were shut out in 2 of them, including a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders Saturday. RW Tage Thompson has not scored in the 3 games, coincidentally, which followed a 4-game goal streak.

The Avs are 8-2-0 in the last 10 meetings, but the Sabres have won 2 of the last 3, in each team’s building.

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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 of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Sabres +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+150) | Sabres +1.5 (-185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Avalanche at Sabres projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (7-7-0, 3.31 GAA, .875 SV%) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (8-5-2, 2.54 GAA, .909 SV%, 1 SO)

Let’s give Georgiev credit. He played a back-to-back Friday-Saturday against 2 Stanley Cup contenders in the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t terrible, either. He stopped 19 of 23 against Dallas and 28 of 31 against Edmonton. They lost both of those games. Buffalo beat him in his only start against them last season as he stopped 25 of 28.

Luukkonen dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker in overtime Friday to the Vancouver Canucks. He stopped 18 of 22 in the game. He actually had a really good November with a 5-2-1 mark, a 1.94 GAA and a .926 SV%. He’s not a household name, but he’s a sneaky good goalie at 25. He was 1-1-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .904 SV% against Colorado last season.

Avalanche at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Sabres 2

Moneyline

The Sabres are 6-6-1 at home, and the Avs are 6-5-0 on the road. I really, really could see Buffalo winning this game. Colorado just doesn’t have a good vibe right now, and they feel like they know they need help and are waiting for the front office to make a trade.

It’s telling that Buffalo is only at +135 here because the Avs would normally be around a -180 favorite. If Buffalo were at +150, I’d probably take a shot there, but not at this price. This books have this one cornered. I’d rather go with NATHAN MACKINNON OVER 4.5 SHOTS (+125). BetMGM has given most users a 20% NHL boost, which would take this to +150. MacKinnon was routinely at this number last season, and he has hit it in 5 straight games. So you’re basically getting 1 1/2 times your profit for something that was commonplace last year.

Puck line/Against the spread

I like Buffalo here, but I don’t want to pay the -185. Give me UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN OVER 26.5 SAVES (-110) instead. Line his numbers up with Igor Shesterkin, and UPL is just as good with a worse team dating back to the beginning of last season.

Over/Under

I don’t like this total. Honestly, at first glance of all 3 lines in writing this, I felt like the book gave us snake eyes. We have had 6, 4 and 6 goals in the last 3 meetings, dating back to the 2022 calendar year. I don’t want to look at much beyond that because these teams are too different since then.

Take the ALTERNATE OVER 5.5 (-160), and if you still have that 20% boost, drop it here to bring it to -134.

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Buffalo Sabres at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Buffalo Sabres at Anaheim Ducks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Sabres (9-9-1) and Anaheim Ducks (8-8-2) meet Friday at 10 p.m. (ESPN+) at the Honda Center. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Ducks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Anaheim swept 2-0 last season

The Sabres went 5-for-5 in killing off power plays in a 1-0 win at the LA Kings Wednesday. Buffalo scored the game’s lone goal on a power play and won despite logging just 19 shots on frame.

Anaheim last played Tuesday, completing a 2-0-0 road trip with a 3-2 triumph at the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks have won 3 straight and gone 4-1-0 since an ugly 1-5-1 stretch Oct. 26-Nov. 8.

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Sabres at Ducks 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 8:47 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Sabres -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Ducks +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres -1.5 (+170) | Ducks +1.5 (-210)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Sabres at Ducks projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (7-4-1, 2.61 GAA, .909 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Lukas Dostal (5-6-2, 2.69 GAA, .924 SV%, 1 SO)

Luukkonen pitched a 23-save shutout in Wednesday’s win against the Kings. The 25-year-old owns a sparkling .935 SV% across 6 November appearances.

Dostal last played Monday, stopping 34-of-36 in a 4-2 win at the Dallas Stars. Per Hockey-Reference.com, Dostal’s 10.4 goals-saved-above-average mark leads the NHL.

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Sabres at Ducks picks and predictions

Prediction

Ducks 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

Buffalo is at a rest disadvantage and has yielded 3.43 goals per game on 1 day of rest (compared to its overall mark of 3.21 GPG). The Sabres have their power play cranked up of late (33.3% since Nov. 5) but have not been generating as many quality looks in even-strength over recent games.

The Anaheim penalty kill has been awful (68.8%), but the Ducks make up for that by being a top-5 club in penalty avoidance. Mix in Dostal between the pipes, and ANAHEIM (+128) is the value side here.

Puck line/Against the spread

Lots of juice disrupting these prices: AVOID.

Over/Under

Almost no lean here. Buffalo’s offensive numbers are not matched by support analytics, and the same holds true for the Anaheim defense.

Give the value edge to the UNDER 6.5 (-130) on the strength of the likely goalie matchup and some overall overestimation of the Sabre offense.

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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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