The Buffalo Sabres (29-28-8) invade Bell MTS Place Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET to battle the Winnipeg Jets (33-28-6). We analyze the Sabres-Jets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Sabres at Jets: Projected starting goalies
Carter Hutton vs. Connor Hellebuyck
Hutton has been rather erratic this season, although he is 12-12-4 overall with a 3.18 goals against average and .898 save percentage. He started the season on a winning streak, he endured an ugly slide from late October through January, and picked up the pace in February in place of the injured Linus Ullmark. The 34-year-old is 6-5-0 with a 2.93 GAA and .907 SV% in 11 starts and 12 appearances since the All-Star break.
Hellebuyck has rolled up a 27-21-5 record, 2.67 GAA and .919 SV% through his 52 starts and two relief appearances with five shutouts. He has been slightly better on home ice at 15-11-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .920 SV% with three shutouts. Hellebuyck and the Jets just tackled the Sabres in Buffalo Feb. 23, and they were on the short end of a 2-1 decision.
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Sabres at Jets: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Jets 4, Sabres 2
Moneyline (ML)
The JETS (-175) are moderate favorites on home ice against the Sabres (+145), as they look to avenge the 2-1 setback in Buffalo. The Sabres have managed just the one win in seven previous Western Conference battles, and they’re a dismal 14-46 in their past 60 games on the road. Winnipeg has won five of their past seven on home ice, and they’re 10-3 in the past 13 as a home favorite.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Jets to grab the road win returns a profit of $5.70, while a $10 wager on the Sabres results in a profit of $14.50.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The JETS (-1.5, +150) are a good value on the puck line, as I expect them to play much better in this one than they did in Buffalo. Plus, the Sabres are a dismal 5-13 in their past 18 trips to Winnipeg, as MTS Place has been a house of horrors. A small-unit play is more than warranted.
Over/Under (O/U)
The trends are all over the board. The Under dominates for the Jets, while the Over has been the rule for the Sabres lately. The Under hit in the first meeting, but if I had any lean it would be to the Over. Still, the best move is not to play. AVOID.
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