Buffalo Sabres (16-25-8) vs Colorado Avalanche (35-9-4)
Game Info: Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 1:00 pm (KeyBank Center)
Betting Odds: Buffalo Sabres +210 / Colorado Avalanche -275 --- Over/Under: 6.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Buffalo Sabres host the Colorado Avalanche in Saturday NHL Action
The Colorado Avalanche come into this road contest with an overall record of 35-9-4. Through 48 games, the Avalanche are 1st in the Central Division. On the season, they have found the net 193 times, good for a rank of 2nd among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Colorado is the 8th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.79 goals per game. So far, the Avalanche have a strength of schedule rating of 30th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 3rd ranked team in the NHL.
The Buffalo Sabres get set to host the Colorado Avalanche with an overall record of 16-25-8. This mark places them 6th in the Atlantic division. Through 49 games, the Sabres have scored 132 goals, giving them an average of 2.65. This output gives them a rank of 23rd among NHL teams. On defense, Buffalo is the 24th ranked unit, giving up 3.45 goals per contest. So far, the Sabres have played the 31st toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Buffalo's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 29th in the NHL.
Through 48 games, the Colorado Avalanche's leading goal scorer is Mikko Rantanen. With his 31 assists, he is the second in overall points, coming in at 56. On the season, he is turning 15.3% of his shots into goals. In addition, the Avalanche have benefited from the strong play of Nazem Kadri, who is the team's overall leader in points. In Colorado's 48 games, he has come up with 20 goals on a shooting percentage of 12.7%. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of 20. Colorado's top goalie is Darcy Kuemper, who is giving up an average of 2.38 goals per game. In his 34 games played, he has turned in 21 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 47 games, the Buffalo Sabres' goal and overall scoring leader is Jeff Skinner, with 34 points. He has reached his mark of 20 goals, on a shooting percentage of 13.6%. So far, 15.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Tage Thompson, who has 18 assists to go along with his 16 goals. However, when on the ice, the Sabres are -6.0 in scoring differential. Buffalo's top goalie is Craig Anderson, who is giving up an average of 2.6 goals per game.
In Colorado's 48 games, they have an above .500 record against the spread, going 32-13. So far, the Avalanche have been a good bet on the road as they have covered in 13 of their 21 road games. On the season, the Colorado Avalanche have a per-game scoring differential of 1.21. Even when playing on the road, the team is winning games by an averge margin of 0.73 goals. Heading into their game with the Buffalo Sabres, the Avalanche have a 3-2 record over their past five contests. In these games, they have scored 12 goals, accounting for 57% of the overall scoring.
Joe’s Pick Colorado -275
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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