Blackhawks vs Sabres Prediction 10/3/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 3rd at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks are 0-2-0 this season after they lost to the Mammoth by a score of 6-0 in their last game. Chicago allowed two goals in the first period and never recovered in the blowout loss. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 32-15, won 27.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Chicago was led by Anton Frondell, who had three shots on goal, while Arvid Soderblom stopped 26 out of 32 shots, which was an .813 save percentage in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Chicago lost to the Golden Knights by a score of 5-2 to start the year. The Blackhawks have scored 1.00 goal per game and they have allowed 5.50 goals against per game, while also going 0% on the power play and 50% on the penalty kill this season. Jordan Greenway has led the team with one goal, while Spencer Knight is 0-1-0 with a 4.01 goals against average and an .889 save percentage this season. 

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 0-1-0 this year after they lost to the Blue Jackets by a score of 6-3 in their first game. Buffalo cut the deficit from 3-1 to 4-3 in the second period, but they allowed two goals in the third to seal the loss. The Sabres out shot Columbus by a total of 26-23, won 44.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-5 on the power play in the game. Buffalo was led by Konsta Helenius, who had one goal and two shots, while UPL stopped 17 out of 22 shots, which was a .773 save percentage in the loss. 

The Sabres were 50-23-9 last season and they finished with 109 points, which was first in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo was three points ahead of Tampa Bay and Montreal in second, but was four points behind the Hurricanes for the #1 seed in the East. The Sabres started the season with a 4-0 loss to the Rangers and they were just 2-4 through six games. Buffalo had a great season and they were dominant over their last 41 games. The Sabres defeated the Bruins in the first round of the playoffs, but were eliminated by the Canadiens in seven games. Buffalo scored 283 goals last year, which was 5th in the NHL, while they allowed 240 goals against, which was 10th. 

Why the Buffalo Sabres will win

• The Blackhawks have lost each of their last eight night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Sabres have won nine of their last 10 games against the Blackhawks.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites against the Blackhawks.
• The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games as underdogs.
• The Blackhawks have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.

Why the Chicago Blackhawks will win

• The underdogs have won six of the Sabres’ last seven games.
• The Sabres have lost five of their last six games as home favorites.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Sabres’ last five games.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a road loss.
• The underdogs have won the third period in four of the Sabres’ last five games.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Sabres’ last five games as favorites following a road loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Four of the Blackhawks’ last five games against the Sabres following a road loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 10 home games against the Blackhawks.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last eight night games at KeyBank Center.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

• Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in each of his last three appearances against Central Division opponents.
• Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one assist in each of his last four appearances against Central Division opponents.

Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts

• Ryan Greene has scored the first goal in three of the Blackhawks’ last four games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Patrick Kane has scored at least one goal in each of his last three appearances against the Sabres.
• Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in each of his last four appearances with the Blackhawks as road underdogs.

Blackhawks vs Sabres Prediction

Chicago comes into this matchup after getting out scored 11-2 in their first two games and they will continue to be on the road here. The Blackhawks have been pretty bad to start the season and the goaltending needs to be better. Buffalo allowed six goals in their first game, but they did score three in that loss. The Sabres are the better team and I can’t back Chicago until I see a decent effort. Take Buffalo -1.5 here.

David Racey's Pick: Sabres -1.5