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

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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Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (40-32-7) travel to meet the New Jersey Devils (50-22-8) Tuesday. Puck drop from Prudential Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Devils odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres might be eliminated from the playoff chase, but they’re not playing like it. Buffalo has won 5 of the last 6 games, including beating the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers from the Metropolitan Division.

The Devils were tripped up 2-1 on the road against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. New Jersey is still 4-2 in the lst 6 games, and the Devils have crept to within 1 point of the 1st-place Hurricanes in the Metro with 2 games left in the regular season.

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Sabres at Devils odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:27 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Devils -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-145) | Devils -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Sabres at Devils projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (17-11-4, 3.61 GAA, .892 SV%) vs. Vitek Vanecek (32-11-4, 2.46 GAA, .910 SV%, 3 SO)

Luukkonen allowed just 3 goals on 42 shots in his most recent appearance April 1 in Philadelphia. Lately, it’s been the Devon Levi show, but after the impressive prospect started Monday, it’s highly doubtful he starts in a back-to-back stituation.

Vanecek allowed just a single goal on 17 shots in an 8-1 laugher against the Columbus Blue Jackets last time out. He has allowed just 1 goal apiece in 3 of his last 4 games. The last time he faced the Sabres he allowed 2 goals on 19 shots in a relief effort on March 24.

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Sabres at Devils picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Sabres 3

Moneyline

The Devils (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, which is just too much risk with the way the Sabres (+165) have been performing lately. Buffalo has rattled off 5 consecutive victories against teams with a winning record, too.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The DEVILS -1.5 (+120) are playing for a Metropolitan Division title, and they’ll bring it on home ice against a Sabres +1.5 (-145) team facing the quick turnaround after a stunning 3-2 win in a shootout over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

While there is some risk here, as the road team has won 9 of the last 12 meetings in this series, the Sabres are 1-6 in the last 7 games in the 4th game of a 4-in-6 (4 games in 6 days) situation.

Over/Under

OVER 7 (+100) is worth a look at even-money.

The Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in this series, and the Over has cashed at an 8-3-2 clip in the last 13 meetings. The Over is also 23-11-1 in the 35 meetings against Metropolitan Division opponents.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (39-32-7) travel to meet the New York Rangers (47-21-12) Monday. Puck drop from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Rangers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres remain mathematically alive for the final Wild-Card spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting 6 points back with 4 games remaining in the regular season. Buffalo needs help, and it cannot afford any additional losses.

The Rangers are 3 points out of 1st place in the Metropolitan Division behind the Carolina Hurricanes (109 points), with the Canes holding a game in hand on the Rangers and the 2nd-place New Jersey Devils (108 points).

New York posted a 4-0 win on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday, and it is 3-0-1 in the last 4 games overall.

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Sabres at Rangers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:47 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Rangers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-150) | Rangers -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Sabres at Rangers projected goalies

Devon Levi (3-1-0, 3.17 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Igor Shesterkin (37-13-7, 2.49 GAA, .915 SV%, 3 SO)

Levi is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The prospect has drawn comparisons to former Sabres backstop Ryan Miller, going from top goalie prospect after a great collegiate career, to goalie in the heat of a playoff spot chase. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals on 3 of his 4 starts since turning pro.

Shesterkin turned aside 20 shots for his 3rd shutout of the season in Columbus last time out on Saturday. Since flipping the calendar from March to April, Shesty is 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .937 SV% with a shutout.

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Sabres at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Sabres 1

Moneyline

The Rangers (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too steep of a price tag for a singular bet. The Sabres (+165) are still technically alive for a postseason spot, but it’s an uphill climb against the red-hot Shesterkin.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The RANGERS -1.5 (+125) are a much better play at plus-money on the puck line.

New York has won 3 of the last 4 games in regulation, while winning each of the games by 3 or more goals. It did lose 3-2 in OT at Buffalo in the most recent meeting March 31, and the Rangers won just 2-1, also in OT, in the most recent meeting prior to that on March 11, so be careful.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+100) is the best play on the board, especially at even-money.

While the Over has dominated for the Sabres lately, going 8-3-2 in the last 13 games, the Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings with the Rangers.

The Under is also 18-7-2 in the last 27 games for the Rangers against the Atlantic Division, while going 6-1-1 in the last 8 games when playing on a day of rest.

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

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Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with expert NHL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes (50-19-9) play the 2nd of a 3-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres (38-32-7) Saturday. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Hurricanes opened their road trip by laying an egg in a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators Thursday. Carolina leads the Metropolitan Division with 109 points and is just 1 point clear of the second-place New Jersey Devils but has a game in hand.

The Sabres suffered a damaging 2-1 loss on the road against the Florida Panthers Tuesday but picked up 2 important points with a 7-6 victory at the Detroit Red Wings Thursday.

While Buffalo is not mathematically eliminated from the postseason chase just yet, it trails Florida and the New York Islanders by 6 points for the final Eastern Conference Wild Card. The Panthers and Isles have 3 games remaining and the Sabres only have 5 left so the wiggle room is quickly disappearing for Buffalo to sneak into the playoffs.

This is the 3rd and final regular-season meeting between these teams. Carolina won 5-3 at home against the Sabres as the Over (6.5) cashed on Nov. 4 and won 5-1 in Buffalo with an Under (6.5) result on Feb. 1.

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Hurricanes 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 5:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Sabres +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+145) | Sabres +1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Hurricanes at Sabres projected goalies

Antti Raanta (18-2-3, 2.20 GAA, .911 SV%, 4 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (17-11-4, 3.61 GAA, .891 SV%)

Raanta has been on fire lately, winning both of his April starts, including a 14-save shutout on the road against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday. He hasn’t lost in regulation in 18 starts and 1 relief appearance dating back to Nov. 12 in Colorado, going 15-0-2 along that span.

The Finnish netminder was in net for both victories against Buffalo this season, going 2-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .927 SV%.

Luukkonen allowed 3 goals on 42 shots in a 6-3 road win against the Philadelphia Flyers last Saturday. The 24-year-old — also from Finland — has won back-to-back starts for the 1st time since a 3-game win streak from Jan. 19-24.

UPL lost his only start against the Canes back on Feb. 1, coughing up 4 goals on 33 shots.

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Hurricanes at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

The HURRICANES (-160) are decent favorites on the road as they look to bounce back after getting blanked in the Music City Thursday.

While Carolina has dropped 2 of the past 3 on the road while averaging just 1.7 goals per game, it faces a Sabres team that has 1 foot in the grave in terms of playoff possibilities.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres +1.5 (-175) are a little on the expensive side in what should be a tight game.

Buffalo has won just twice in the past 8 games at KeyBank Center and is 1-5 in its last 6 games when playing on a single day of rest. It’s also just 1-6 in the past 7 games at home against Carolina and has won just 7 of the previous 27 meetings with the Canes overall.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+100) is a decent play at even money.

The Hurricanes have cashed the Under in 6 games in a row overall and their last 4 on the road. The Under has cashed in 5 straight for Carolina against Eastern Conference teams, too.

The Under cashed for Buffalo last time out in Florida, and the total has gone low at a 3-2-1 clip in the past 6 games overall.

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

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Buffalo Sabres at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (37-32-7) wrap up a 3-game road trip Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings (34-33-9). Puck drop from Little Caesars Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Red Wings odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres suffered a costly 2-1 loss on the road against the Florida Panthers Tuesday. Buffalo is still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs but is 6 points out of the final Eastern Conference Wild Card spot with just 6 games remaining.

The Red Wings are making a late push for the playoffs but remain 8 points out of the final East Wild Card with 5 games left in the regular season. Detroit has won 4 of the past 5 games, including a 5-0 win on the road against the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday.

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Sabres at Red Wings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:26 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Red Wings -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres -1.5 (+200) | Red Wings +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -140 | U: +115)

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Sabres at Red Wings projected goalies

Devon Levi (1-1-0, 1.98 GAA, .942 SV%) vs. Ville Husso (26-19-6, 2.96 GAA, .901 SV%, 4 SO)

Levi made his 2nd pro start Tuesday in Florida, allowing 2 goals on 36 shots in a hard-luck loss. He also allowed 2 goals (on 33 shots) in a win against the New York Rangers in his pro debut Friday.

Husso turned aside all 24 of the shots he faced in Montreal Tuesday after allowing 10 goals in his previous 2 starts. He is 16-13-0 with a 2.92 GAA and .900 SV% with 3 SO in 32 games at Little Caesars Arena this season.

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Sabres at Red Wings picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 3, Red Wings 2

Moneyline

The SABRES (-115) are solid road favorites in this crucial battle to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.

The Red Wings have played well lately but they did drop each of the first 3 regular-season meetings against Buffalo, including a 5-4 shootout loss in the only other battle at LCA on Nov. 30.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Red Wings +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, which is way too much if you require a little bit of insurance.

Buffalo needed a shootout to decide one of the 3 meetings this season, but the other two meetings were 5- and 3-goal margins.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+115) is a strong play, especially at plus money.

The Under has cashed in 7 of the past 10 meetings between these teams in Detroit and is 3-1-1 in the past 5 games overall for Buffalo. The Under is also 16-7 in the past 23 games for the Red Wings against Eastern Conference teams.

Expect goals to be at a premium in this intense game to stay alive in the playoff chase.

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

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Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (37-31-7) visit the Florida Panthers (39-31-7) Tuesday. Puck drop from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla., is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres have 81 points with 7 regular-season games remaining, currently 5 points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the remaining wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo is also 4 points back of Florida, another team giving chase, with 2 games in hand, so this is a must-win game for both sides.

Buffalo is making a late run, picking up 9 out of a possible 10 points in the last 5 games (4-0-1), including 2 straight road victories.

Florida pounded the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-0 last time out on Saturday, and it won 3 in a row to complete a 4-game road trip, outscoring Toronto, Montreal and Columbus by a combined 15-4.

The last time these teams met in Sunrise, the Sabres skated away with a 3-1 win on Feb. 24. In fact, the road team has won all 3 matchups this season, with Florida winning in Buffalo on both Oct. 15 and Jan. 16.

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Sabres at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:23 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Panthers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-155) | Panthers -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Sabres at Panthers projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (17-11-4, 3.61 GAA, .892 SV%) vs. Alex Lyon (6-3-1, 3.24 GAA, .899 SV%, 1 SO)

UPL is projected to get the nod in this crucial game. The Finn was solid last time out, allowing just 3 goals on 42 shots in a 6-3 win at Philadelphia Saturday.

If Luukkonen isn’t in the blue ice, it might be rookie Devon Levi, who won his pro debut Friday in a 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Rangers. He was getting the look with Craig Anderson dealing with an upper-body injury, unavailable to play in the front-end of a back-to-back set.

Lyon is confirmed to start Tuesday. He has been red-hot, winning 3 straight starts on the recent road trip, including a 21-save shutout in Columbus on Saturday.

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Sabres at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Sabres 2

Moneyline

The Panthers (-200) are a little too expensive to play straight up, costing 2 times your potential return.

This is an important game, and Florida has the benefit of playing on home ice. Of course, that’s another reason to be cautious, as the road team has won all 3 meetings this season. The Panthers are 11-4 in the last 15 games inside the Atlantic, and 69-29 in the past 98 games at home dating back to last season, a winning percentage of .704.

PASS, and look to the puck line instead.

Puck line/Against the spread

The PANTHERS -1.5 (+125) halted a 4-game losing skid with 3 straight wins to close out the recently completed road trip. It won the final 2 games in Montreal and Columbus by a combined 12-2, easily covering the puck line as the favorite.

As a favorite on the puck line, Florida has a 5-4 mark in the last 9 outings. Instead of risking nearly 2 times your return straight up, roll the dice on the puck line instead.

Over/Under

UNDER 7 (-105) is the best bet here.

While the Over is 6-2-2 in the last 10 games for the Sabres, the Under is 8-1 in the last 9 after Buffalo scored 5 or more goals in the previous outing.

In addition, the Under is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings in this series, while going a strange 1-0-4 in the last 5 games overall for the Panthers.

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

The New York Rangers (44-21-10) visit the Buffalo Sabres (35-31-7) Friday. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

New York lost 2-1 at the New Jersey Devils as a +126 underdog Thursday. The loss snapped a 3-game win streak, but the Rangers are still 7-2 in their last 9 games as they now sit in 3rd in the Metropolitan Division.

Buffalo suffered a 4-3 shootout loss as a -165 favorite at home vs. the Montreal Canadiens Monday. The loss snapped a 2-game win streak and the Sabres are just 2-5 in their last 7 games. The Sabres are 7 points back of the final Eastern Conference Wild Card with 9 games remaining in their regular season.

The Rangers lead the season series 1-0 after winning in a 2-1 OT battle on Mar. 11 in Buffalo. Two games remain in the season series.

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Rangers at Sabres odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Sabres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+160) | Sabres +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)

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Rangers at Sabres projected goalies

Jaroslav Halak (10-8-3, 2.68 GAA, .905 SV%) vs. Devon Levi

Halak has not faced Buffalo yet this season, but is 13-4-0 with a 2.08 GAA and .923 SV% (406 saves on 440 shots) in his career against them.

Levi was drafted with the 212th pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2020 draft before his signing rights were traded to the Sabres along with a first-round pick in 2022 in exchange for C Sam Reinhart. Levi is expected to make his NHL debut in this game.

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Rangers at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

BET RANGERS (-145).

New York should be able to win this game despite being on the road. The home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between these 2 squads but that is outweighed by the Rangers being 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Buffalo. The favorite is also 45-17 in the last 62 meetings.

Puck line/Against the spread

LEAN SABRES +1.5 (-190).

This is a bet with a heavy -190 favorite attached which does add some risk, but this is a pretty safe bet. However, the last 4 meetings between these clubs, and 7 of the last 10, have been 1-goal games including 4 games that needed overtime or a shootout to resolve.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 6.5 (+112).

The Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings overall between these teams and 21-7 in the last 28 meetings in Buffalo. The Under has been the overwhelming safer bet when it comes to recent meetings between these teams.

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Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (33-28-5) meet the Washington Capitals (32-29-7) on Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres picked up a 4-3 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday, snapping an 0-3-1 skid. It was also the team’s first victory away from home since Feb. 24 in Tampa (0-2-0).

The Capitals suffered a 5-3 setback Tuesday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, and Washington is now just 1-2-1 in its last 4 games.

Buffalo posted a 7-4 victory at KeyBank Center when these teams last met on Feb. 26. The Sabres also posted a 5-4 overtime win at Capital One Arena on Jan. 3.

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Sabres at Capitals odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Capitals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-240) | Capitals -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Sabres at Capitals projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (15-10-3, 3.54 GAA, .894 SV%) vs. Charlie Lindgren (12-8-2, 2.74 GAA, .905 SV%)

Luukkonen allowed 2 goals on 26 shots last time out in a 2-1 loss in overtime against the Rangers Saturday. He has failed to pick up a win in his past 3 outings, but he has allowed just 5 goals on 65 shots in the past 2 turns. His most recent win came Feb. 26 in Buffalo against the Capitals.

Lindgren’s last appearance came in relief of a shaky G Darcy Kuemper on Feb. 26 in Buffalo. The Minnesota native allowed 2 goals on 18 shots in a period and a half of work. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his past 19 appearances since Nov. 26.

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Sabres at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline

The SABRES (+100) roll into D.C. with a little renewed confidence after the road victory against Toronto on Monday. Buffalo has had the number of the Capitals all season, outscoring Washington 12-8 in the first 2 meetings. The road team has cashed in 6 of the past 8 meetings in this series, too.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres +1.5 (-240) will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not enough reward if you require a little insurance and can’t bring yourself to play them straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-120) is the lean, but play a half-unit play at most.

The Over has cashed in 6 of the past 7 meetings between these teams in Washington and is 6-1-1 in the past 8 meetings overall.

The Over is also 8-2-1 in the past 11 games for the Sabres when working on a single day of rest and is 9-3-2 in the past 14 games for the Caps against Atlantic Division foes.

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New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

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

The New York Rangers (36-19-9) visit the Buffalo Sabres (32-28-4) Saturday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Rangers eased by the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in a shootout Thursday, snapping a 2-game skid. New York is still just 3-5-1 across the past 9 games. The Over is an impressive 4-1-1 in the past 6 outings for the Blueshirts.

The Sabres were embarrassed by a 10-4 score at home against the Dallas Stars Thursday. Buffalo has dropped 3 games in a row and 5 of its last 6 outings.

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Rangers at Sabres odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:39 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Sabres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+150) | Sabres +1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)

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Rangers at Sabres projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (28-11-7, 2.67 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (15-10-2, 3.61 GAA, .893 SV%)

Shesterkin turned aside 23 of the 26 shots he faced in a 4-3 shootout victory against the Canadiens Thursday. He is 2-1-0 with a 2.90 GAA and .885 SV% across 3 starts in March.

Luukkonen was on the short end of a 3-2 loss at the New York Islanders Tuesday, allowing 3 goals on 39 shots. He has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 straight starts and 6 of his past 7 outings.

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Rangers at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 5, Sabres 3

Moneyline

The RANGERS (-145) have to be licking their chops after seeing the Stars hang a 10-spot on the Sabres Thursday.

Buffalo appeared to be getting dangerous toward the end of February, like a team in the process of revving up for a playoff run. However, the Sabres have dropped 5 of their last 6 games and find themselves in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 points out of a playoff spot. The skid has seen Buffalo fall behind other teams giving chase like the Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals.

Puck line/Against the spread

The RANGERS -1.5 (+150) are a risky play, so go with a half-unit play at most. While New York has won 3 of its last 5 games, it has won by 2 or more goals just once during the span. New York is just 1-6 as a favorite on the puck line in its last 10 games.

Still, the Rangers are playing a team that allowed 10 goals last time out, so the opportunity is there for New York to get loose.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-130) is the play.

The Rangers are 4-1-1 to the Over in their last 6 games and 4-1-1 in the last 6 outings playing on a day of rest.

The Over has cashed in 6 of the past 7 games at home for the Sabres and is 6-2 in their last 8 games against winning teams. The Over is 10-4 in Buffalo’s last 14 games and 18-7-1 in its last 26 against the Metropolitan Division.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

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

The Buffalo Sabres (32-26-4) face the New York Islanders (32-25-8) on Tuesday. Puck drop at UBS Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Sabres have hit the skids a little, dropping 3 of the past 4 games overall, while yielding 3 or more goals in 5 straight, and 12 of the past 14, outings. Buffalo finds itself 3 points out of the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Islanders earned a 4-1 matinee win against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. New York has cashed the Under in 5 straight games while alternating wins and losses.

Buffalo won the most recent meeting 3-2 score in overtime at KeyBank Center on Jan. 19. This is the 2nd of 3 regular-season meetings, with the final meeting scheduled for March 25 in New York.

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Sabres at Islanders odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:57 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sabres +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Islanders -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-170) | Islanders -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Sabres at Islanders projected goalies

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (15-9-2, 3.63 GAA, .891 SV%) vs. Ilya Sorokin (21-18-6, 2.34 GAA, .925 SV%, 5 SO)

Luukkonen was on the short end of a 7-1 loss Thursday at the Boston Bruins, stopping 35 of the 40 shots he faced. He has allowed 4 or more goals in 3 straight starts and 5 of his past 6 outings overall. Luukkonen stopped 24 of 26 shots in the 3-2 OT win over the Islanders on Jan. 19.

Sorokin allowed just a single goal on 23 shots in a 4-1 win against the Red Wings Saturday. He has won 4 of his past 6 starts, allowing 8 total goals across the past 5 assignments. Sorokin was on the short end of that OT setback in Buffalo in mid-January, although he sparkled with 42 saves on 45 shots.

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Sabres at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

The ISLANDERS (-170) are a little on the expensive side, but New York should be able to get it done on home ice.

The Sabres just haven’t played very well lately, and it is extremely concerning that the Buffalo defenders and goaltenders have had a difficult time keeping the puck out of its own net.

Puck line/Against the spread

The SABRES +1.5 (-170) are quite pricey, but it isn’t terribly out of line if you’d like a little insurance. This should be a close game, similar to the OT decision we saw in Buffalo in the first meeting in mid-January.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-115) appears to be a little risky, as Buffalo has coughed up 22 goals across the past 5 games. However, New York has scored just 13 goals across the past 5 contests, while yielding just 9 goals in the previous 6 outings. The Isles’ inability to score, while solid play from their blue liners and solid goaltending, is what is driving this Under train.

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