Buffalo Sabres (23-27-5) vs Anaheim Ducks (25-24-7)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm (KeyBank Center)
The Line: Betting Odds: Buffalo Sabres -198 / Anaheim Ducks +164 — Over/Under: 6.5
In this article, we will formulate an Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, February 25th at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Preview
The Anaheim Ducks are 25-24-7 this year after they lost to Detroit in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Anaheim trailed 4-1 in the second period, but they tied the game at four late in the third, before losing in overtime. The Ducks were outshot by a total of 36-28, won 46.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Anaheim got goals from Gauthier (2), Strome, and Zellweger, while Dostal stopped 31 out of 36 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Ducks defeated the Bruins by a score of 3-2 and the Kings by a score of 2-1. Anaheim has won four of their last five games and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 57 points. Anaheim has scored 2.52 goals per game and they have allowed 3.04 goals against per game, while also going 11.9% on the power play and 73.6% on the penalty kill this season. Troy Terry has led Anaheim with 16 goals, 25 assists, and 122 shots on goal, while Frank Vatrano has added 17 goals, 15 assists, and 176 shots on goal this year. John Gibson is 9-9-2 with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage this season.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 23-27-5 this season after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 8-2 in their last game. Buffalo scored five goals in the first period and never looked back in the victory. The Sabres outshot New York by a total of 33-28, won 50.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from McLeod (2), Quinn, Thompson (2), Dahlin (2), and Jokiharju, while UPL stopped 26 out of 28 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Sabres lost to the Predators by a score of 6-4 but did beat the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2 before that. Buffalo has won five of their last six games and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 51 points. Buffalo has scored 3.22 goals per game and they have allowed 3.38 goals against per game, while also going 17% on the power play and 78.2% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 28 goals, 23 assists, and 152 shots on goal, while Rasmus Dahlin has added nine goals, 36 assists, and 123 shots on goal. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 19-16-4 with a 3.00 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this year.
Why the Ducks will beat the Sabres
- The underdogs have won four of the Ducks’ last five games.
- The Sabres have lost three of their last four games as favorites following a home win.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in eight of the Sabres’ last nine games at KeyBank Center.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games as favorites following a home win.
- The underdogs have won the second period in four of the last five games between the Ducks and Sabres.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Sabres’ last seven games at KeyBank Center following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Ducks’ last five night games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 11 night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 10 of the Ducks’ last 11 games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in each of his last five Tuesday night home appearances.
- Tage Thompson has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances in home games.
- Tage Thompson has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances at KeyBank Center.
Anaheim Ducks Player Prop Facts
- Frank Vatrano has scored a goal in three of the Ducks’ last four games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Alex Killorn has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine road appearances against the Sabres.
- Robby Fabbri has recorded at least one assist in each of his four previous appearances with his team as an underdog against the Sabres.
Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction
Buffalo comes into this matchup playing some of their best hockey of the season and they will be at home for this game. The Sabres are 14-12-3 at home this year, while the Ducks are 12-12-5 on the road. Anaheim is also playing pretty well right now, but they did just lose to the Red Wings last time out. Buffalo is the much better offensive team in this matchup, but Anaheim has allowed two goals or fewer in six of their last nine games. These two teams play two different styles of hockey, but I think the Ducks have a solid chance to win this game, so give me the Ducks and the plus money here.