The Pittsburgh Penguins (4-4-2) and Buffalo Sabres (6-3-0) meet Wednesday. The opening faceoff at KeyBank Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Penguins vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Pittsburgh suffered a 6-5 overtime loss against the visiting Boston Bruins Tuesday. The Penguins are 0-4-1 in their last 5 games since starting the season 4-0-1. Defense and goaltending have been problems: the Pens have allowed 4.80 goals per game over that losing skid.
The Sabres routed the Detroit Red Wings 8-3 Monday and are 2-1-0 so far on a 4-game homestand ending with this contest. Buffalo has top-10 scoring averages at both ends of the ice, scoring 4.1 goals per game (2nd) and allowing just 2.8 goals per game (10th).
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Penguins 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 11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Penguins -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Sabres -103 (bet $103 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Penguins -1.5 (+195) | Sabres +1.5 (-250)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Penguins at Sabres projected goalies
Casey DeSmith (0-2-1, 2.97 GAA, .913 SV%) vs. Craig Anderson (3-0-0, 1.66 GAA, .946 SV%)
DeSmith is making his 4th start of the season. He’s a 5-year NHL veteran who has found significantly more success at home (.925 SV% career) and in the latter months of the season.
Anderson is off to a terrific start. G Eric Comrie was between the pipes in Buffalo’s last game; Anderson was last in the net Saturday when he stopped 23-of-26 shots in a 4-3 Sabres win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Penguins at Sabres picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 4, Sabres 3
Moneyline
The Pens are scuffling, but at some point — maybe soon — they may be considered a solid play. On the back half of this home-road double, that’s not likely the case here.
Buffalo’s wins of late have been supported by solid puck-possession numbers. If the tag on the Sabres hits +110 or so, they are a decent short underdog. Otherwise, PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
The last two series meetings last season went past 60 minutes, and 4 straight Pittsburgh-Buffalo games have been decided by 1 goal. With that and the above in mind, the price on the SABRES +1.5 (-250) is a solid one. However, it’s likely only a consideration for larger bankrolls.
Over/Under
Both powerplays have been operating at average levels while drawing a solid number of looks, and both teams have been creating a good number of high-danger chances.
With this goaltending match-up and with Pittsburgh struggling on the penalty kill (70.6%, 28th in the NHL), there is VALUE ON THE OVER 6.5 (-115).
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